The Wings of Eagles US Navy 37j1

[Persimmon]

I was watching again the John Wayne film - The Wings of Eagles about Frank ‘Spig’ Wead

Noticed the folded down collar variant of the 37J1 with the USN printed on the reverse of the jacket.
Here are a few pictures - taken off the TV screen - so whilst the quality is not great hopefully give’s you the idea.

 

[zoomer]

Spig Wead seems to have had an exclusive on writing naval aviation pictures in Hollywood. The bio-pic was made in 1957, so Duke's jacket could have been an original and rare even then (tho not yet collectible). His storm flap seems to have been chopped out, which I think happened pretty frequently.

 

[Dr H]

Interesting, I fancy that I see the impression of thread tied off to secure a button on the left collar (as we view it) in the top three images.
Is that a loop on the front edge of the right hand collar (as we view it), or the elongated zipper pull?
I really like this collar the most, but not the pockets, which are almost A-1 like in their impracticality.

 

[Persimmon]

Interesting, I fancy that I see the impression of thread tied off to secure a button on the left collar (as we view it) in the top three images.
Is that a loop on the front edge of the right hand collar (as we view it), or the elongated zipper pull?
I really like this collar the most, but not the pockets, which are almost A-1 like in their impracticality.

I thought this would catch your eye.
A sort of A2 collar on this jacket works well indeed although I am sure if folded up it can be fastened by loop and button.

 

[Dr H]

Look closer at image 2 (and this film still).
The wind flap hasn’t been removed - it’s simply very, very short and has a fly button fastening.
Those look like hook fasteners higher up too.
I’ve never seen anything like this combination before - anyone else?

 

[zoomer]

I certainly haven't! What earthly good could that flap have been?

Maybe it was made for an earlier production - perhaps Dive Bomber (1941).
That's the only other place I've seen 37Js stenciled USN on the backs.

 

[Dr H]

Same film, capeskin 37J1 (with Maureen O’Hara).

I certainly haven't! What earthly good could that flap have been?

Maybe it was made for an earlier production - perhaps Dive Bomber (1941).
That's the only other place I've seen 37Js stenciled USN on the backs. View attachment 6952

Possibly, but those collars are more conventional for the 37J1B (and not deep at the back, so sit upright) and the jacket has a zip (rather than hooks/clasps).

On closer viewing on a larger screen - there does appear to be a jungle cloth tab on the right hand knit (as we view it).

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Interesting pics!

Thx for sharing!

 

[dujardin]

brilliant researchhhhhhhhh

thankssssssss

 

[Grant]

Here are a couple stills of Wayne in a 37J1 type jacket from They Were Expendable shot in 1945. The lack of a windflap, what looks like a later Talon or Conmar zip and strange collar tab on the 37J1 and Robert Montgomery's odd looking A-2 makes we wonder if these jackets were custom made by the wardrobe stylist for the two stars.

 

[Persimmon]

Collar tab. How interesting

 

[zoomer]

Same film, capeskin 37J1 (with Maureen O’Hara).

Pockets down low tho, A-1 style. Probably to deemphasize Duke’s midsection.

I agree now, his cloth 37J is a studio humbug, and possibly the same one he wore in both films.