Recent content by 1970Novass

Bazelot Thanks for the pics. I've just sent my a-2 to get painted with "Kraut Krusher" artwork. 457th BG which had the "fireball group" insignia which your picture will help but using the 748th BS patch. American Flight jackets book page 138 has other pics of the Fireball insignia

Sean Brain was working after coffee this morning. After the posts got some ideas. Pm you in a bit.

Thanks for your reply do you recommend Eastman accessories? Patches, name tags, etc. or have them done elsewhere? Or maybe painted ?

I recently (3 months ago) took a chance on ebay and purchased a new Eastman 1401 size 48L. At 6'3 225 the size and length is a perfect fit ! So now I'm looking to get another with patches, name tag, etc. for when I fly my Cessna. Looking at Eastman's website they offer a 'time worn" option...

I just received a new Eastman Rough Wear 1401 that I purchased on ebay. It's a 48L which I really needed. Beautiful jacket and got it for a great price. This is my first horsehide jacket and it is really stiff (they probably all are). After reading articles on "breaking in" an A-2 their are a...

Also bidding wars can get crazy against on eBay. I remember years ago getting in a bidding war on ebay over a 1970's era Hot Rod magazine that I quit on at $100. 2 weeks later I bought another for $22. Of coarse these aren't Magazines ! But they do come up every so often.

Thanks Ken

OK guys - hope I'm not shooting myself in the foot but here goes. I'm looking at 2 vintage A-2's on ebay. Both seem pretty sweet but one has NO jacket tag? Does that reduce the value a lot? I realize jackets of this age and value should be bought not to make money but be appreciated and...

DD will contact me with measurements this week. I will mention the sleeve taper. Just to ask - I'm assuming sleeve taper on an A-2 is a must . Thanks for the update

After talking to Dave at Diamond Daves I just pulled the trigger on his A-2 ! He does custom jackets - which I need - so I went for it ! 3 week wait - looks like another sherif in town ! Thanks to all for the help

I viewed Diamond Dave's jackets on ebay and they look really nice. Seems the difference - Question - cowhide vs horsehide ? Any thoughts ?

Thanks Steve for the offer But I'm thinking for my first jacket and being 6'3 I should work with a maker on a size that'll fit me. I'm working off of shirt measurements now as I don't have an A-2 to measure. I'm thinking 27 inches down the back but checking my emails this morning (Chicago) Andy...

I have emailed Andy at BK and just sent my measurements. I'll wait to see if he needs anything else. I am wanting a more 'supple' jacket and with my height BK looks like the place. Now to pick a maker ? I thought the 23380 but another poster says the Aero 18775 is arguably their Most correct...

Thanks for the reply At 6'3 I will need to check on 'custom' with BK -

As new to A-2 quality, history, etc. I've been doing research on buying my 1st A-2 and it seems the bigger names for original repo A-2's are Good Wear, Bill Kelso, and Eastman. I'm sure there are more but these are the names most often referred to on this forum. So with the time wait on GW I've...