ORIGINAL WWII TYPE B-3 FLYING JACKET W535 AC-17756

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

I rarely get sheepskin jackets, since 95% of the time they are in poor condition. This B-3 was definitely a rare exception.

Probably one of the most classic flight jackets ever designed.

This specific example was made by the prolific Rough Wear Clothing Co. under contract W535 AC-17756 in fiscal year, 1941.

During World War II, the type B-3 was worn by bomber crews of the U.S.A.A.F, who operated in high altitudes. For that reason, it was rightly referred to as the 'bomber jacket'.

It was adopted on May 8, 1934 and suspended from new production contracts in 1943, mainly because it consumed a lot of leather, but it was used throughout World War II. The B-3 has remarkable differences depending on the manufacturer and lot.

This example is in such unbelievable condition, that it could be mistaken by a high-end modern reproduction. All parts are original to the jacket and seems to be unworn. It even has the pocket label still attached. Hard to upgrade!

Let the pictures talk!

Regards,
Jorge

TRADEAJACKET on Instagram: "I rarely get sheepskin jackets, since 95% of the time they are in poor condition. This B-3 was definitely a rare exception. Probably one of the most classic flight jackets ever designed. This specific example was made b

181 likes, 3 comments - tradeajacketJuly 16, 2023 on : "I rarely get sheepskin jackets, since 95% of the time they are in poor condition. This B-3 was definitely a rare exception. Probably on...".

www.instagram.com

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

The moment of truth... fit pics!

 

[mulceber]

Unbe-friggin-lievable, Jorge. You never cease to amaze with your collection. That jacket is a beauty! And a Rough Wear B-3 to boot!

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Thanks Jan! Gosh, this was a no brainer! It is solid as a rock, but the surprise was that is fits good to be a 40. Of course, I'm not planning to wear this

 

[mulceber]

That one's a keeper, just like that mint Poughkeepsie A-2 you found.

 

[John Lever]

A very beautiful thing

 

[ludospeed]

The moment of truth... fit pics!View attachment 114533View attachment 114535View attachment 114537View attachment 114539View attachment 114541

it's a dream. WoWoW
Congratulation for this treasure.

 

[leper-colony]

A very beautiful thing

Nice jacket as well!

 

[Chandler]

So, the next time it drops below 60° down there in FLA, you'll be all set!

(sorry, hadda be the smartass)

 

[B-Man2]

He’s an Outlander !!
Has to be .

That’s one of your all time best !

 

[Dumpster D]

Incredible. How in the world did you even get something like this?!?!?

This Jacket actually still exists, and in that condition? Way too much for my feeble mind to handle right now.

Rare and mint are words that get thrown around too much, but this is one exceptional Jacket.


I can't believe it!

PS is that one cuff Chrome tan and the other Veg?

The back of the Jacket curves so nice and streamline!!! Wow!

 

[mulceber]

PS is that one cuff Chrome tan and the other Veg?

I think it's just redskin vs. acrylic coat.

 

[Chandler]

That’s one of your all time best !

I was in Orlando in February a few years ago -- temp dropped to 60° one night at Dizzy World and the workers acted like it was Armageddon.

Of course, you know I was wearing an A-2 and was very comfortable.

 

[B-Man2]

O

I was in Orlando in February a few years ago -- temp dropped to 60° one night at Dizzy World and the workers acted like it was Armageddon.

Of course, you know I was wearing an A-2 and was very comfortable.

Funny story … I see that all the time down here . The temp drops to the 60s and fur coats and parkas come out ….
But I guess its all relative to what your use to, because at the same time I see tourists coming down from up north, where the temps are in the single digits, and they’re on the beach swimming in that same 60 degree weather.

 

[Chandler]

But I guess its all relative to what your use to...

Not to get too far off track, but I'm at a stage where there's very little in-between for me anymore. Is it me or the weather?

It's either hot or cold -- or there are one or two weeks where I can wear an A-2 weight jacket without boiling or freezing.

Global warming, no doubt.

 

[B-Man2]

Not to get too far off track, but I'm at a stage where there's very little in-between for me anymore. Is it me or the weather?

It's either hot or cold -- or there are one or two weeks where I can wear an A-2 weight jacket without boiling or freezing.

Global warming, no doubt.

So …. If it’s a choice between old age or Global warming ………. Yeah … I see your point

 

[Chandler]

So …. If it’s a choice between old age or Global warming ………. Yeah … I see your point

Well, I'm still surviving climate change. I only wish I could wear those in-between jackets more often.

Thank goodness for the ATF fleece tanker -- fills those not-quite freezing days and isn't too warm for the less-than temperate season.

 

[CBI]

amazing - bit don't wear it, they can pull apart even if they look solid. perhaps the best condition B-3 our there!!!!!!!