Hawkeye
Member
Seems in good shape, no spec label though. Nice looking jacket.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WWII-U-S-Navy-Fli ... 286.c0.m14
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WWII-U-S-Navy-Fli ... 286.c0.m14
Roughwear said:I am not sure how much of a bargain this jacket is. There appears to be signs of rot. The zip pull seems to be a replacement. The knits may be repalcements too.
TMB said:It is without a shadow of a doubt a H & L Block M-422a - the pocket flap shape and yellow USN stencil are clear signs. However its had a 1950s military depot refit when the "new" lining was put in plus the small USN punched into the flap. The entire jacket is non-original except for leather and fur. Apart from the lining the cuffs and waist are replacements as is the zip.
I'd say the leather is probably still okay as all the M-422a goatskin tends to be resilient, but its probaby too much considering the overall non-original state of the jacket.
TMB said:I actually don't think its rot, these jackets very rarely do that. Its simply had a lot of surface wear and is need of a little Pecards tlc...
Willy McCoy said:Rot would display a deeply pitted, jagged, and a more pronounced discoloration. Surface abrasion of the dye from cockpit wear etc. could only be pronounced "rot" by the tidiest of collectors. Originally produced in the second world war and reconditioned for service again for the police action in Korea would only make this two war veteran and a "survivor". Bonus. With everyone clamoring for the A-2's the M-422A's are very overlooked and a great value. M-422A's are more practical for having a gun pocket, pen slot, as well as the nice collar/throat closure. The bi-swing back is also a nice feature for extended movement.
Grant said:It's impossible to tell from the photos if this jacket has any type of rot to the leather. My guess is that it's just surface wear to the goatskin. It certainly is an oddball jacket with the replaced liner and zip - also the collar shape and mouton don't look anything like the typical Block M-422a.
Grant