ORIGINAL WWII AERO CLOTHING CO. 42-15142P TYPE A-2 (322ND FIGHTER SQUADRON)

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Certainly finding A-2's in good condition is becoming harder and harder. This example was made by the prolific Aero Leather Clothing Co. under contract 42-15142P, awarded in March, 1942. This was the 6th of 7 contracts produced by them.

This jacket belonged to R. C. Ewall. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any info about him, but it seems like he was assigned to the 322nd Fighter Squadron, which flew P-47B Thunderbolts as part of the air defense of New York in the early part of World War II.

The condition of this example is great considering it is 80 years old. All parts are original to the jacket.

The leather is still supple and has developed a great patina over the years.

Original M-41 Talon zipper is working perfectly.

The lining is in excellent condition and it even shows the AN stamp present from inspection.

Original knits had some period repairs and still solid.

Upper left chest depicts a leather name tag strip, embossed “R. C. Ewall”.

Left chest depicts a highly scarce 322nd Fighter Squadron patch.

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Regards,
Jorge

TRADEAJACKET on Instagram: "Certainly finding A-2's in good condition is becoming harder and harder. This example was made by the prolific Aero Leather Clothing Co. under contract 42-15142P, awarded in March, 1942. This was the 6th of 7 contracts pro

167 likes, 9 comments - tradeajacket on July 1, 2022: "Certainly finding A-2's in good condition is becoming harder and harder. This example was made by..."

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[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

 

[Chandler]

"...air defense of New York in the early part of WW2."

Now *that* sounds like a story/history that needs to be written.

We can look back with hindsight and see nothing ever got hairy in this mission, but those guys didn't know what might have happened at any moment!

 

[Spitfireace]

Nice shape indeed, looks just like my Aero Leather Clothing Scotland 15142-P. Or vice-versa. Interesting that the squadron patch is on the right chest instead of the more traditional left chest. I guess you won't be wearing this one as it's a size 36.

 

[warguy]

Beautiful original jacket. As you said, getting tough to find ones with original parts in good condition. Congratulations.

 

[P-47 thunderbolt]

What an incredible jacket, I actually really like the darning on the cuffs!

 

[Silver Surfer]

Once upon a time,original Aeros were ever so easy to find. As Jorge has pointed out, not so any more. Gotta love that chenille patch. A real knock out.

 

[Dany McDonald]

Hi Jorge,

I love the knits and waistband rescue stitching, it's crude, clumsy, in your face and says keep it ORIGINAL all you can when possible.

Thank you for sharing.

Dany

 

[ausreenactor]

Stunning Jorge! Thanks for adding it to 'our' collection.

 

[Chandler]

Gotta say, the cuffs on this one make me feel better about my '90s ELC cuffs.

 

[Spitfireace]

Hi Jorge,

I love the knits and waistband rescue stitching, it's crude, clumsy, in your face and says keep it ORIGINAL all you can when possible.

Thank you for sharing.

Dany

Done in period, mismatched colour is understandable, use what's available. Done today, I would have picked a matching colour and it would not be noticeable. All depends on whats available at the time. Obviously, darning can be almost invisible done by the right hands. Period repair is part of the jackets history.

 

[tda003]

Beautiful original example.

Was this the same squadron that earlier defended the Empire State building against King Kong?

 

[KeepmflyinTX]

Jorge, Thanks very much for sharing your photos. Congratulations on finding a beautiful A-2. Wow, size 36.The greatest generation seems to be much smaller in body size. .

 

[MaydayWei]

Good find

 

[A2B3G1]

Cool jacket.

 

[ES335]

"...air defense of New York in the early part of WW2."

Now *that* sounds like a story/history that needs to be written.

We can look back with hindsight and see nothing ever got hairy in this mission, but those guys didn't know what might have happened at any moment!

A squadron of P-40s was stationed at the ready along the Anacostia River in Washington, DC for exactly the same purpose.