Old & Tired, But What Is It?

[tda003]

Thoughts about who made it? As to restoration: left side zipper, collar, at least one pocket flap, lining, cuffs and waistband. Anything else come to mind?

 

[2BM2K]

Looks to be a Dubow 27798 due to the collar shape and that the snaps seem to be RAU. If you look on the inside of the packet the snaps should be marked as RAU.

The leather looks reasonable, I'm not sure that the packet flap needs restoring, I can only see one small hole?

 

[B-Man2]

Before I attempted anything I’d address the dryness of the hide . A light coat of Pecards or leather rejuvenator creme would do wonders to restore the jacket and make it more supple so you could work on it without fear of doing it any further damage .

 

[2BM2K]

Is it possible to photograph the white label?

 

[tda003]

Sorry. Thought I'd posted pics of label. It, too, is rough.

 

[B-Man2]

definitely not the typical military contractors A2 label.

 

[Spitfireace]

Before I attempted anything I’d address the dryness of the hide . A light coat of Pecards or leather rejuvenator creme would do wonders to restore the jacket and make it more supple so you could work on it without fear of doing it any further damage .

"Vasoline"

 

[tda003]

I expect the label is simply what they had lying around the depot when it was rebuilt just to I'd it as USAAF property. Don't know, though. A-2 jackets are not in my skill set.

 

[tda003]

Once I find and assemble the pieces, I intend to ship this to Dena at Great Leather. Replacing a collar and pocket flap and accompanying snaps, etc, are well beyond my abilities.

 

[Micawber]

If mine I would want to get some rehydration back into that leather as well as a sympathetic surface clean.

 

[tda003]

Snap info is difficult to read. Company is out of Rhode Island.

 

[tda003]

I have leather balm Dena sent me.

 

[MediumMech]

I'm very interested to see how this project turns out. I'm no expert, but it seems like you have a very serviceable jacket core there. I'll go with the consensus and say this looks Dubow-ish to me. Although, the epaulets look somewhat tapered in the photos, and my (limited) understanding is that Dubow's have a purely rectangular epaulet.

 

[2BM2K]

Snap info is difficult to read. Company is out of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island means that the snaps are by RAU.

 

[2BM2K]

According to the Eastman manual only a few contracts used RAU snaps. Of these the best matches are the Dubow 27798 and Dubow 23379 (they are very similar designs).

 

[tda003]

Going thru my zipper stash, I came across this one. I expect it's a repro, but wondered if the non-pull side (left side on the jacket) of this zipper would work as a replacement for the damaged part of the zipper or, alternatively as a full replacement and using the original pull.

 

[tda003]

MediumMech,

The epaulets are tapered - from 2" at shoulder to 1 1/8" at collar.

 

[tda003]

Worked on rehydrating the leather. The patient (jacket) has responded well to treatment.

Upon close examination, the snaps are indeed RAU.

 

[tda003]

I have left a message & email w/ John @ GW (time zone difference). While on his web site, I looked at the various cuffs he offers. He states that the correct cuffs for Dubow are "dull purple". I realize that the cuffs on my jacket are replacements and not purple. I can use advice on whether to order Dubow cuffs or cuffs that match the replacements currently on it. Thanks.

 

[tda003]

I just rechecked the label on my jacket. The worn printing at the top is barely legible, but I can make out "30-1415", making this a Dubow 23379. Now the quandary - restore to original or restore to USAAF repair. Thoughts. Also can the leather ever regain its original russet color?