Favorite piece in everyone’s collection?

Gilchaya said:

I was lucky to find an A2 my size 50 in perfect condition, a real miracle

Click to expand...

@Gilchaya,

Here’s the size 50 belonging to my neighbor w/same 15th patch. Not sure if it’s a particular squadron or group or an actual 15th AF patch.

Garylafortuna said:

When Carroll Shelby was asked what his favorite car was, he replied: "the next one". Very meaningful for many VLJ members I think.

Click to expand...

I have bought a Goodwear, an ELC, an AVI and a BR since I got the ELC Monarch. None come close. Buying with expectation that it will be better than the last one is not wise. Unless you have eyes on or it is on your hand.

My favorite. A California Sportwear G1 with leather collar instead of a mouton collar.

My refurbished B3 inheritance from my father Adjusted to my size by the 5 star team Merino sheepskin Russet HH facing and correct straps and buckles. Love this jacket ... second is my ELC MONARCH bought from Micawber.

ELC monarch

5star B3 BROWN HH facings Roughwear 27752 brown steerhide redyed

flyincowboy said:

ELC monarchView attachment 77404

Click to expand...

Monarchs are King! (Pun intended)

Nickb123 said:

@Gilchaya,

Here’s the size 50 belonging to my neighbor w/same 15th patch. Not sure if it’s a particular squadron or group or an actual 15th AF patch.


View attachment 77383

Click to expand...

Is the art work on the back original ?

Gilchaya said:

Is the art work on the back original ?

Click to expand...

I don’t know, unfortunately.

Very difficult question. From among of flight jackets my newest G-1 Brill Bros from 1968 is probably my favorite.

Royalcrown32 said:

My favorite. A California Sportwear G1 with leather collar instead of a mouton collar.

View attachment 77396

Click to expand...

Jeez I wish my Brill Bros G1 had a leather collar......the fur is just too much in Australia unless you're in the mountains for maybe a month each year when it gets that cold lol

It’s to small for me but it has a very beautiful Australian patch and in perfect condition , it’s a Jolly Roger jacket

Some nice jackets! I’m almost ashamed to say my favourite jacket right now, because of the weather, is a nylon jacket….my Alpha Ma-1. I’ve been wearing it daily and appreciate the light weight.

No pics but its a toss if a coin between my original Dubow 27798 because of its originality or my GW Doniger because of its feel, comfort and build quality. Coming up close behind, my ‘57 Cagleco G1!
PS, that Spiewak of Grant’s or Danny’s Aero would be if they were mine!!!

Hi All,

My size 46 Monarch AN-J-3A and favorite from among my many vintage USN wearers. This jacket represents one of 2% of the entire contract as per USN specifications (by my estimation approximately 350 in total made in this size) to have originally been manufactured in a size 46 for their 1943 20570 contract.

This same jacket once had no less that 5 squadron patches attached to it. To include an over size Air Wing patch on the back. Not mention several leather winged type ID tags representing rank changes.

More than likely this jacket once belonged to a career naval aviator, squadron commander and quite possibly the commander of an air group. Judging from the different sizes and shapes of the empty stitch work those removed patches were both WW-2 and Korean War type.

The jacket's hide is in exceptionally great shape. In spite of the fact that it exhibits plenty of cock pit wear. Chances are it is also combat worn.



This jacket's dimensions are more like a modern size 44 and fits me perfectly. Only worn on the occasion. A basket case when received in 2017. Made robust again when I restored this jacket completely. To include changing out 100% of the cotton thread.

Look forward to seeing my second same jacket as seen here https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/monarch-size-46-an-j-3a-restoration.20015/ and the largest original War era USN jacket that was made by Monarch MFG. I have found in 14 years of collecting.

Cheers, Dave

Honestly cant pick one. Three 'Holy Grails' right there... Dunno what Im going to do with my GW/s!!!
Platon Dubow, BK Dubow and BK RW23380

Platon Dubow
Seal, with dull purple knits and OD thread
BK Dubow
Seal Liberty, with seal knits and OG green thread
BK RW23380
Seal Liberty, with mid brown knits and mid brown thread

Brett
Those are 3 beauties and they all fit nicely.
Well done !

Thanks Burt. Its been a long road to finally land these

Brett the Platoon Doob and the RW are both spot on and stand out slightly more than the other for my eye anyways

blackrat2 said:

Brett the Platoon Doob and the RW are both spot on and stand out slightly more than the other for my eye anyways

Click to expand...

Platon Dubow looks amazing...