Two New Additions to the Collection - Cloth/Nylon

[CBI]

Original WEP USN Flight Jacket Size 44 Long:

I took a chance on the B-15A. It was sold as an original. Based on a side-by-side with my MINT original Werber B-15A, this one seems to be legit. However, if there are telltale signs that its an older ELC. RM or BR rerpo, let me know. Unfortunately, the brittle mouton collar (which looks great but will probably need to be replaced) sure looks/acts like period mouton. Did any repro makers include "regular" in re size on the label? I am only aware of a RM but it said RM on the label. There are many repro RW contracts, the ones I have seen (by no means have I seen them all) don't have the same contract/etc numbers..................... In any case, its a really nice jacket.

A few patches of interest:

I love chenille patches, this is a good 94th FS repro from GB/Flight Suites. I tweaked it a little and added the HH border. Incised leather/painted 773th BS (Eagle with compass/flames) and 767th BS (Eaglehead). I have seen many photos of 773rd patches, for no real compelling reason, I chose a version where there is more space between the yellow and red layers of flame than usual.

 

[havocpaul]

The B-15A looks 100% original IMO, not sure if there's been an accurate repro made, certainly Eastman have only bothered with the B15, wish Gary would do one though as I've been looking for a wearable example for years.

 

[atkins]

Thanks for the WEP pictures CBI, may i know what's your height ?

 

[CBI]

5'11". These WEPS run pretty high waisted so I jumped at a purchase of a "Long"

Thanks havoc!

 

[TankBuster]

That's the B-15A that was on eBay a couple weeks back. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... true&rt=nc
It is a nice original. Mash sells knits if you ever want to replace the current ones. You got it for a pretty decent price IMO. I was tempted to bid, but like yourself, I already have one. Looks like a good fit.

 

[CBI]

Yes, that's it.

I have new knits from MASH on order and vintage mint mouton on the way...........

 

[Peter Graham]

Yup, that B-15 looks legit to me. It's something I've never ventured into but I'm very curious about those WEP jackets. Strangely, they are nearly all large sizes.

 

[CBI]

I have always liked these WEP jackets and have owned them in the distant past. Super comfortable and lightweight

I once found one on a dirt floor in a surplus shop near Nellis AFB that was sold to me for $2.00!

Those were the jacket days .................(about 30 years ago)

 

[dujardin]

not much interest in the WEP though, it's a cool looking jacket

congrats for the nice B15