Interesting piece of Willis & Geiger

[oose]

Saw this and thought it interesting, anyone have any info on this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USN-Leather-Fligh ... 286.c0.m14

yours stu

 

[zoomer]

This is the Navy's Air Transport Coat (aka "flight deck coat"), spec M-69E. It's the rare, zipper-closure version of the more common M-69F, which buttoned closed like a conventional trenchcoat. Both had waist belts as well (this example seems to be missing its belt).

These are associated with higher-ranking carrier officers, altho they were apparently designed for transport pilots. With the goatskin shell and alpaca liner (not removable), they are extremely heavy and make a strong "statement" that doesn't suit many military jacket fans.

 

[sgbailey2002]

I had one of these in real nice condition, minus the label. Got over $500. for it 6 years ago.

SGB

 

[deeb7]

This is the Navy's Air Transport Coat (aka "flight deck coat"), spec M-69E.

The one on eBay is a spec. M69-D ... Contract NOS-88862. Willis & Geiger made all the zippered versions (ver. 1), over 3 contracts.

They'll need good luck to make $500 on that example.

 

[oose]

Just a shot of one in action, not the most flatering look...

yours stu

 

[handworn]

I just saw an M69E in an antique store, which seemed to have been little used and then spent the last 60 years in a climate-controlled vault. Everything on it was perfect, except for the leather-covered buckle of the belt, which did show some wear. Anyone have an idea of value for something like that? It was a Gordon & Ferguson, size 42 in modern terms (since it fit me perfectly).

 

[deeb7]

Anyone have an idea of value for something like that?

With their not being suitable for post-war house painting, or child weather protection duties, I would imagine that most of them saw little wear.

What was the store asking?

 

[handworn]

I can get it for $450.

Also, I misspoke-- it's the M69F, not the zipper-front model.

Anyone have an idea of value for something like that?

With their not being suitable for post-war house painting, or child weather protection duties, I would imagine that most of them saw little wear.

What was the store asking?

 

[deeb7]

I can get it for $450.

At that price, it's getting up there.

Still okay if you want to offer it a good home, but not as something to make money on.

 

[handworn]

Thanks! Something to keep in mind if the economy turns around. ;-\

I can get it for $450.

At that price, it's getting up there.

Still okay if you want to offer it a good home, but not as something to make money on.