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Pre-WWII (1937) B-3 flight jacket

Jan C.

New Member
Hi guys, I’m new to this forum. In search of an original B-3 jacket, I recently bought the one on the pictures. It is in a beautiful condition (look like it’s been hardly worn over all those years). It has no makers name. Contract number on the label is 37-2063-P. It also features an odd belt buckle on the left chest.
can anyone tell me something more about it (maker’s name, production date...). Sadly enough it’s to large for me..
 

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Skyhawk

Well-Known Member
Yowzer! What a find. It may be a reproduction in that shape. If it is an original, it's the best I have seen.

I believe these were issued to the guys up in Alaska. Someone will know all about them....
 

Jan C.

New Member
I’m pretty sure it is an original, given te discoloration of the re-enforcements on the sleeves and pocket, stains on the shearling, small repair on the left shoulder and minor rust on the buckles. Fleece is in fantastic shape and not too smelly...
 

mr_lits

Well-Known Member
I believe what you have there is an original. You see them in pre-war photos of the USAAF. They are amazing what you have there is a VERY rare and beautiful example. Take care of that jacket! Thanks for sharing.
 

CBI

Well-Known Member
If an original be careful as many original B-3's have not aged well and can fall apart with even the gentlest of wearing.
 

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
That would be a very rare jacket if its an original.....Hard to see the entire label.. is there any additional information on it other than what can be seen on the photo?
 

foster

Well-Known Member
That looks beautiful, and I suspect it is original. Replicas exist, but I do not think the replicas have that buckle on the left chest (nor would the repair to the shoulder on the back).

Many wartime ones are in delicate condition due to the clear-coat on the hide. This one does not have that treatment. I would still be delicate with it, all the same.
 

D97x7

Well-Known Member
Looking at an almost identical one owned by a member that no longer posts, they think it's made by Phillips Tanning. If you join the B-3 flying jacket page on face book it's posted there.
 

D97x7

Well-Known Member
Actually here's a thread, but the pictures seem to be missing
 

Officer Dibley

Well-Known Member
I believe what you have there is an original. You see them in pre-war photos of the USAAF. They are amazing what you have there is a VERY rare and beautiful example. Take care of that jacket! Thanks for sharing.

And very expensive jacket too ! There are some well healed collectors who will pay megabucks for your jacket....

Welcome to the forum !
 

Jan C.

New Member
Thanks for the warm welcome and all the info. I bought the jacket from someone in Barrington, RI. Do not have any more info on it... I’ll post some clearer and more detailed pictures of the label and other parts of the jacket this evening!
 

mr_lits

Well-Known Member
Please do I would certainly like a good label pic.

I seen several of these before and yours is in great shape. Here are some photos of other whiteskin B3s I have seen over time. The first one is the Werber, next three are SFAD and last one is the Phillips Tanning contract. The Webers are hens teeth... this photo is the only example I have ever seen.
 

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Jan C.

New Member
Thanks for the pictures. In appearance, mine is closest to the one in the second pictures.
I’ve attached some clearer pics!
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Jan C.

New Member
And some more...
 

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