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ORIGINAL WWII ARNOFF MFG. COMPANY TYPE B-15A FLYING INTERMEDIATE JACKET

Jorgeenriqueaguilera

Well-Known Member
Finding a B-15A in mint condition after 77 years is rare, but the oddest part in this case is the particular design of this example. At first sight, you will think this is a B-15, as there are no signs of the triangular shaped leather pieces on chest, neither the earphone wire tabs near the underarm which were added to the B-15A. Adding to the mystery is the lack of the pencil pocket and AAF transfer insignia on the left sleeve, which were part of both specs (B-15/B-15A). There is no trace of them ever been attached to this jacket.

This example was made by Arnoff Mfg. Company in fiscal year 1945.
As mentioned in the beginning, the condition of this jacket is pristine and all parts are original to the jacket.

To my surprise, I found the name of the original owner attached to the jacket (very well hidden). It is named to Henry U. Harris Jr., although I have no information about him yet.

This model was a successful example of a flight jacket with outstanding functionality. It was lightweight, easy to move in, and had everything needed for heat retention. In addition, the production cost was low, and it was a durable garment. However, the B-15A appeared at the end of World War II, and it was not possible to produce enough of it and deploy it to the entire squadrons.

It’s still hard to believe this jacket has survived over 77 years in this condition.

That being said, enjoy the pics!

Regards,
Jorge

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mulceber

Moderator
What’s interesting is, I just looked up that contract on JC’s CD, and it’s got almost that exact same contract, except for 2 things:
  • The contract number is 33-038. 45-8966 instead of 33-038. 45-3966. (i.e. the last group of numbers starts with an 8 instead of a 3. I suppose this one could be abraded, but it doesn’t look it. Typesetter’s error is my best guess here.
  • The CD’s example is a typical B-15a, with the sleeve pockets, earphone tabs and leather patches on the chest.
I’m not really sure what to make of it.

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Jorgeenriqueaguilera

Well-Known Member
What’s interesting is, I just looked up that contract on JC’s CD, and it’s got almost that exact same contract, except for 2 things:
  • The contract number is 33-038. 45-8966 instead of 33-038. 45-3966. (i.e. the last group of numbers starts with an 8 instead of a 3. I suppose this one could be abraded, but it doesn’t look it. Typesetter’s error is my best guess here.
  • The CD’s example is a typical B-15a, with the sleeve pockets, earphone tabs and leather patches on the chest.
I’m not really sure what to make of it.

label.jpg


front_view_flat.jpg
Great example and great observation there Jan! But looks like my camera for some weird reason didn't get the perfect picture of the label (a bit wrinkled), I have another pic from the label and it is in fact an 8 instead of 3.
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