Roughwear said:
If the lining is replaced it would be a very wearable jacket, but without it is best as a display item. The price of A2s has dropped in recent months and I would be amazed if it goes as high as you suggest Saunders, but only time will tell.
By the way Saunders it would be nice to know your first name and secondly to see pictures of your jackets posted on the forum.
You really think A-2 have dropped recently? I thought they were posting a rebound from some of the Ebay sales I've seen: A really fine painted RW 1401 just eclipsed $4, 000, that super Dubow 20960 met my prediction and doubled at just over $2, 500 this week, a RW 23380 w/ patches and awesome history went for over $3, 000, there was the fab Monarch w/ incised-leather insignia hitting about $2, 700 and a stunning Aero 15142 brining about $2, 500, naming just a few.
I go to shows and never see prices realized like this; it's totally an internet/Ebay thing. I could purchase A-2s in wonderful shape at the shows I hit for what amounts to wholesale prices and double my dough on Ebay, but I'm not a dealer (recently saw one w/ full back painting in superb condition go to a guy I know for $1, 150, and a solid 80% A-2 in size 44 sell for $800). And I'm not big jacket collector; I have a select few, though I enjoy studying and learning about them all and many other items of militaria. My primary collecting interest these days centers on historical items and groupings of the German Heer, Luft. and W-SS, with special emphasis on soldbuchs and items ID'd to those who were KIA.
Documented items of military history are what drive the market right now, and likely will for as far as we can see. GI M-1 helmets are the single-best performer in WWII militaria right now, especially those with history and unit markings and/or camo; it seems new highs are being set at every show I attend. But you follow flying jackets more than I do and probably know more about them than I do, so I'll defer to your learned opinion if you say A-2 prices have declined. Approximately when did this price decline begin that you mention? I'll go on the record now and say they'll be going up right along with general interest in A-2s once Gary Eastman's book is released and digested by the collector market.
Regarding pics, I don't own a digi cam and have no reason to have one. When absolutely needed, I must rely on the generosity of my other half, who happens to be a professional photographer who is very, very fussy about me (or anyone else) touching her gear.
As I recall, Virgil Hilts had a distinct preference for being called Hilts and everyone seemed to manage okay. So, Saunders will do just fine, but that shouldn't preclude us from any cordiality or exchanges of knowledge and experience.