Two rare N-2B's

[Peter Graham]

Both of these jackets have been featured on the forum before but not together and after recently acquiring the Rolen Sportswear from jzist I thought I would compare them both. The Rolen is the earliest incarnation of N-2B and dates from around 1959. It differs from the later jackets in having an oxygen mask tab, hose snaps and a shoulder decal. It's also a lighter shade of olive. The first thing I noticed about this contract is that the hood is a much more practical size than the voluminous hoods on later models.

The Alpha is from a very small 64 contract that used Crown zippers all round which gives it a touch of class. This contract is of very high quality construction and the coyote fur hood trim is beautiful.

Both jackets are in great shape, the Alpha being particularly nice. The Rolen has some UV fading, typical of early nylon jackets. Here's some pics.

The Rolen

Blackened Conmars all round

The decal is still crisp

The Alpha

Crown zippers all round

The difference is colour

The Rolen, with practical hood !

The Alpha

 

[watchmanjimg]

Great-looking jackets, Peter!

 

[oose]

Looking good Peter,

love the Rolen, glad it found a good home, buying a new computer a has put a hold on any new nylon purchases from me, Glad I got that N-2a and N-3b before, just wish it would get a little colder here!! The Alpha is the same contract I had for my first flight jacket aged 12, great memories in the snow tobogganing!

Al the best
stu

 

[Phantomfixer]

Peter,

I am glad you like the jacket, and it will get a new lease on life. Hope you get lots of wear out of it this winter.
John