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There is no evidence for Switlik ever making A-2s. I find it very unlikely that they would have defaced one of their A-2 trousers labels and applied it to a test A-2 jacket, as the drawing number is wrong for A-2s. The label appears to be hand sewn on and I suspect it is quite a recent addition...
This is an interesting idea about removing the label. However it was not until December 1941 that "Property Air Force US army" first appeared on spec labels, so perhaps there was less reason to remove an early label. I too do suspect the Switlik label was added to inflate the value of the jacket.
I would agree that if this is from 1931/2 it does resemble a Goldsmith A-2 with the double stitched pockets, but the collar stand is narrower than seen on a Goldsmith A-2. It also lacks the leather collar tag seen in this photo and the buttoned pocket flaps.
Just to play devils advocate is everyone sure this jacket really dates to the early 1930s and is not a very clever creation using aged original metal work and leather, which has been carefully aged along with the knits?
This is a fascinating find Vic. However, the label is actually from a pair of A-2 flying trousers, not from an A-2 at all. The label on the A-2 has been doctored with the 2 from the drawing number removed and the 5 from the order number removed. You can see the changes when you look at the photo...
This group is for vintage leather jackets rather than modern mall style jackets. To join and provide a sales post straight away is against forum rules.
