B-3-theatre made variant

[Roughwear]

This jacket has the label from the 1935 Werber B-3 sewn on it. The 35-1545-p contract was made from undyed shearling. This jacket appears to be a theatre made garment. It has some interesting features, including sleeve zips and a D-1 style collar strap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-AAF-B-3-Leathe ... 5640200638

 

[better duck]

And what's that elasticized strap in the second to last photo doing there? that's an exclusive Irvin/Wairing = RAF sheepskin flying jacket feature, isn't it?

 

[Roughwear]

And what's that elasticized strap in the second to last photo doing there? that's an exclusive Irvin/Wairing = RAF sheepskin flying jacket feature, isn't it?

Peter the elastic strap to keep the collar up in a slip stream was certainly used on Irvins, but it was also used on the B-2.

 

[deeb7]

Replacement of zippers is easy, and I believe Talon still supplies many of these lengths and weights.

Well, that's a relief.

 

[deeb7]

... It has some interesting features, including sleeve zips and a D-1 style collar strap.

I only have bad, stolen from eBay, photographs of a B-3 from this contract ... they are unclear, but it appears to have sleeve zips, and a single collar strap.

This latest example may not be theatre made, with a slapped on label. It has an early riveted zipper ... perhaps it has suffered no more than a depot applied, poly-acrylate coating.

 

[John Lever]

There is a rumour the The Few are going to make this jacket

 

[Roughwear]

David you may be correct. It could be a very early B-3 from the first Werber contract with details not seen on later versions. I habe seen pics of 1935 Werbers made from undyed sheepskin, but I do not recall seeing the collar securing strap.

 

[deeb7]

After a quick search of the forum ... Bevan has all the answers.

viewtopic.php?p=51192#p51192

 

[Roughwear]

Thanks for the link David. I do remember the jacket now and yes I now think the Ebay jacket an original 1935 B-3 that has be through a USAAF depot. The sheepskin looks quite fragile, but as an ultra rare collectable it should arouse much interest and could go for a high price.