ORIGINAL A-2s IN MY COLLECTION

[Roughwear]

Pictures of most of the A-2s in my collection are in various threads in this section. Like most collectors I have up-graded jackets, sold some and bought others over the years. The photos below are of my current collection.

Aero W535ac21996 (1941) size 44 from the 528th Bomb Squadron, 5th AF

Russet undertones are wearing through the seal top coat.

Poughkeespie W535ac28560 (1942)size 44
The horse hide used by Poughkeepsie tended to be on the thin side, but varies considerably on each of the three jackets here.

Poughkeepsie size 44
This example has has more russet tints to the leather.

Poughkeepsie size 44 from the 570th Bomb Group, 8th AF
Not a re-spray job, just made from a darker batch of horse hide.

Star Sportswear W535ac28557 (1942) size 44
This delightful jacket is in mint condition and has not been attacked by moths!

Perry Sportswear 42-16175-P (1942) size 44
Another mint example. Sadly the original spec label was removed by the vet and had it replaced with a GW copy.

Spiewak 42-18776-P size 42
This is a near mint example. The goatskin is is supple and strong.

Rough Wear W535ac16159 size 44
This near mint example belonged to a captain in the CBI. I love the original patch, which is in superb condition.

Rough Wear 42-1401-P size 44

Rough Wear W535ac27752 (1942) size 44

United Sheeplined 42-18777-P size 42 (1942)
This one has a Conmar zipper whilst the other has a Talon. The patch is from the 367th Fighter Squadron from the 8th/9th USAAF. This jacket is spray finished.

United Sheeplined 42-18777-P size 42
The leather on this Sheeplined A-2 is thicker and shinier than the one above and is aniline dyed.

David D. Doniger 42-21539-P size 42 (1942)
The goatskin is in great shape, showing no rot or damage.

No-name-David D Doniger W535ac29971 size 42 (1942)
This jacket is in excellent shape and the contract is one of the rarest of all A-2 contracts awarded in the war.

Dubow W535ac27798 size 44 (1942)

Monarch W535ac23378 size 44 (1941)

Cable W535ac23382 size 44 (1941)

 

[Persimmon]

Andrew,

Wonderful presentation of some of your extensive collection.
Its very useful to look at the collar differences in these contracts from the different manufacturers.
Thank you for posting.

Any more Aero's tucked away ?

 

[capt71]

Andrew,
Beautiful collection! I'm very curious about the first photo of the 528th BS jacket (380th BG, N. Australia). Do you have any information on who the original owner was? My father was in the 528th BS, and, as I'm involved with the 380th BG Association and know many of the surviving original vets, it would be very interesting to know the origin of that A-2.
Cheers,
Bill

 

[Roughwear]

Thanks Alan. I only have the Aero pictured in the thread now.

Bill it is very frustrating, but the name tag was removed from the jacket before being sold by a dealer in the US. So the answer is sadly no.

 

[omarco]

fantastic collection Andrew, well done!

 

[ECKHARTUS]

Fantastic. The Aero W535ac21996 is my favorite. i love the color and the grain.

 

[mindful]

The monarch is my favorite looks great nice to see your collection you da man

 

[nogbat]

thats a very impresive colection you have there :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[jschare]

Very nice collection. Just out of curiosity, how much money do you think you have invested in your collection? I ride (and collect, I suppose) bicycles and have probably $30,000 invested in bicycles.

 

[Roughwear]

Very nice collection. Just out of curiosity, how much money do you think you have invested in your collection? I ride (and collect, I suppose) bicycles and have probably $30,000 invested in bicycles.

I can't possibly say, but quite alot.

 

[Cobblers161]

Thanks for sharing Andrew, can't beat a bit of jacket porn. I have to say my favourites are the 21996, United, 1401-P and the drop dead gorgeous Spiewak , just beautiful. For some reason I can't get on with the disco collar on the Monarch and the Star collar just looks peculiar, having said that I'd be more than proud to own any of them.

Your effort and enthusiasm has certainly paid off.

 

[CBI]

congrats on all of the great jackets! thanks for letting us see them!

 

[Weasel_Loader]

Nice collection Andrew. I imagine you have days where you bring 'em out and try them all on or just stare. That's probably what I would be doing.

 

[Roughwear]

Nice collection Andrew. I imagine you have days where you bring 'em out and try them all on or just stare. That's probably what I would be doing.

True, like today when each one came out of storage for their photo! :lol:

 

[Peter Graham]

Fantastic collection. You must have a very understanding wife !

 

[Roughwear]

Fantastic collection. You must have a very understanding wife !

I have!

 

[saucerfiend]

Andrew,
All are beautiful! Really nice and a true privilage for the chance to see these. Thanks!

Brian

 

[Stony]

Is it safe to say you wear a size 44?

Real nice collection! :shock:

 

[Dr H]

It's the reason they're so hard to find

 

[better duck]

Great collection, Andrew, un doubtedly painstakingly gathered over the years, by careful buying and selling. There is great effort invested in such a collection - and loads of fun, of course.
Thanks for posting these great quality photos!