Info in the M-445a

[oldskoolonly]

Hi, Ive got an old M-445a Jacket I was given some time ago. Does anyone have any info on them. Not much on the web about them. I know they were USN but thats about it. Id be interested to find out a bit more about their use and roll etc.

Cheers

 

[deeb7]

The M445/A/B was the US Navy Winter Heavy flying jacket from the first half of the 1940's, usually paired with the M446 trousers. It's the Navy's version of the Army Air Force B-3, or the RAF Irvin.

 

[bazelot]

Any pictures? Those jackets are hard to find in good condition.

 

[oldskoolonly]

The M445/A/B was the US Navy Winter Heavy flying jacket from the first half of the 1940's, usually paired with the M446 trousers. It's the Navy's version of the Army Air Force B-3, or the RAF Irvin.

Thanks, they do seem hard to get info on.

 

[oldskoolonly]

Any pictures? Those jackets are hard to find in good condition.

Well, its in ok condition, still wearable tho. A couple of small tears in one sleeve but zips up fine and still a nice old jacket. Ill drag it out, give it a clean up and chuck some pic's up.

 

[deeb7]

Thanks, they do seem hard to get info on.

They are great looking jackets, but surviving examples tend to be fragile .... let us know if you have any specific questions.

 

[John Lever]

Viola !
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-WWII-M-44 ... 4cf01680cb

 

[Falcon_52]

Wow! That auction link is to an M-444A. I didn't even know there was such an "A" revision of this jacket. Interesting...

Noel

 

[deeb7]

Wow! That auction link is to an M-444A. I didn't even know there was such an "A" revision of this jacket. Interesting...

Four contacts to four different makers ... all 1942.

 

[oldskoolonly]

Here's the jacket. After looking at other M445's I think my buttons are incorrect, they look military but I think they are too large?? Can Anyone help with some buttons?
The Car is a 1946 Pontiac for those interested.

 

[deeb7]

Nice jacket ... the buttons look fine, but the smaller buttons from a G-1 will work if you want to change them.

Great car.

 

[John Lever]

I always understood that the A jackets had buttons at the bottom.

 

[deeb7]

John, the M445B's are all the later pattern with the buttons. The change seems to have occurred part way through production of the A series, with some contracts being made in both versions.

 

[bazelot]

The buttons are fine. You shouldn't touch them. Great jacket. It looks like it is in very good shape. i like the car as well!!

 

[oldskoolonly]

Cheers! The Buttons stay!
Next question, its got two small tears on one of the elbows, to patch or not to patch? Does a patch repair take away from its value? What do you guys do with torn shearling aside from replacing the sleeve ? I know these jackets are quite fragile, this one is fairly good and wearable but im worried im going to make the holes bigger if I leave them, especially if I catch it on something.

 

[deeb7]

Does a patch repair take away from its value?

No, a repair is always better than a hole. Find a suitable leather scrap, that you can place behind the tears ... glue, and/or stitch into place.

 

[dujardin]

good jacket and greatttttttt car

 

[Peter Graham]

Man that Pontiac is a beaut. Respect. The jacket is cool too. As for repairing it, if it's a tear I would stitch it up. Only if it was a hole would I patch it but beware, USN shearlings are very fragile. I had a near mint unissued M-445 that started to fall apart the first time I wore it.

 

[oldskoolonly]

Man that Pontiac is a beaut. Respect. The jacket is cool too. As for repairing it, if it's a tear I would stitch it up. Only if it was a hole would I patch it but beware, USN shearlings are very fragile. I had a near mint unissued M-445 that started to fall apart the first time I wore it.

Cheers Peter, I love my Pontiac, its old and rough but full of character. Got a few other old cars and stuff ill post up when the opportunity arises.
The m445a I have is pretty good but I do wear it with caution, anyhow, Id rather wear it than let a coat hanger have all the fun! (just found my Signature!!!) Plus the jacket is not 100% perfect anyway, if it was Id most likely value it a little more dearly.
There is no rot at the tears, it must have been snagged at some time. Ive had a go at patching it on the inside and its come up quite well without stitches. Its made a delicate area quite strong which also give me the confidence to wear it even more, if it tears elsewhere, ill do the same I think.

 

[bazelot]

Here is how I repair shearling on a Navy jacket:

1/ Stitch the hole from the outside of the jacket

2/ Apply a thin coat Barge Cement glue over the stitching

3/Use a dye to apply over the whole thing.

Works wonders. Sometimes just stitching is enough.