What are the rarest jackets?

[Anorak]

Hey guys, I tried to see if this topic has already been covered, but I did not see it, so I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts. I know this could go in many directions, from painted and patched A2s and B10s owned by fighter aces to the L2, A1, 37J1, or blue N1. Curious to hear what in your mind is the most desirable jacket that you want or is in your collection or just a cool obscure jacket you like. Hopefully can learn about some new jackets I didn't even know existed! Thanks!

 

[mulceber]

The rarest? A-1s and the leather version of the 37J1 would definitely qualify. Ditto an HLB contract A-2.

As for which one I’d want, maybe an original B-1 or B-2 in wearable condition. They still exist! A minty B-10 or L-2 in my size would be pretty great too.

 

[Anorak]

The rarest? A-1s and the leather version of the 37J1 would definitely qualify. Ditto an HLB contract A-2.

As for which one I’d want, maybe an original B-1 or B-2 in wearable condition. They still exist! A minty B-10 or L-2 in my size would be pretty great too.

What is the difference between the B1 and B2?

 

[mulceber]

Shearling lined leather vs. blanket-lined.

 

[B-Man2]

For me it would be a an original Werber 1729. We’ve only had one posted here in all the years that I’ve been on the forum. That guy wanted to change out the knits and restore the entire jacket.

This one

 

[Nickb123]

The AN-J-3/ AN-J-3A series, while not the rarest, to me are the most interesting.

That gent who found the Werber 33-1729 above, I believe it was literally an attic find.

 

[B-Man2]

The AN-J-3/ AN-J-3A series, while not the rarest, to me are the most interesting.

That gent who found the Werber 33-1729 above, I believe it was literally an attic find.

Nick
It was actually his grandfathers jacket and he wanted to have it re dyed and new knits put on it so he could wear it. We tried to explain to him how rare the jacket was and that he should consider just leaving it as is . He wouldn’t hear if it and got pissed off and never came back on the forum .

 

[Enigma1938]

Shearling lined leather vs. blanket-lined.

Or even rarer the moquette version

 

[Pilot]

If foreign jackets are allowed to be added..
The Kanaljacke in blue… and the Kanaljacke in white ( I dont own a white one yet) …The only real Kanaljacke(n)…
All other LW jackets are just LW jackets but NOT Kanaljacken….even if some sellers call them as such.

 

[Pilot]

Very good unmessed ( without holes or stitching holes ) and large sized (48”) early 50s L.W. Foster G-1… not so easy to come by nowadays..

 

[Enigma1938]

Very good unmessed ( without holes or stitching holes ) and large sized (48”) early 50s L.W. Foster G-1… not so easy to come by nowadays..View attachment 163605View attachment 163607

WTH happened to the label?

 

[Pilot]

WTH happened to the label?

Erosion provoqued by the collar of the flight suit ( my guess).
But still readable and all original.
Not a killing factor for the sale of such a ( 48” 1950s other than that pristine ) jacket .

 

[MikeyB-17]

I think it’s the fact that it’s underneath the hanger that’s unusual.

 

[Flightengineer]

Skyline 1961, bought this a few years ago from a woman whose late relative was a civilian at Edwards AFB in the 70's. This jacket has been discussed here many times, and examined in detail inch by inch (stitches, patches, etc., and we all generally agree that most likely it is one of Chuck's jackets, although there is no written documentation to prove it.

 

[Pilot]

Skyline 1961, bought this a few years ago from a woman whose late relative was a civilian at Edwards AFB in the 70's. This jacket has been discussed here many times, and examined in detail inch by inch (stitches, patches, etc., and we all generally agree that most likely it is one of Chuck's jackets, although there is no written documentation to prove it.

One of my all American Heroes…
… and a big Roly fan and Monarch A-2 wearer.
Surely some pics available all over the net with these jackets plus his Roly..

 

[Micawber]

Right, assuming jackets that originated outside the USA can be included?

I would like to track down the Irvin my uncle wore when he was a MUG on a Halifax that went down over Belgium. He was just one of two survivors. He was picked up by the Resistance and was active with them for a while prior to making it back to England.

 

[Flightengineer]

One of my all American Heroes…
… and a big Roly fan and Monarch A-2 wearer.
Surely some pics available all over the net with these jackets plus his Roly..

Mine too, Brice. I'm proud that I once managed to see him in Dayton. For me, this is one of the most significant meetings, as well as with Leonov and Pepeliaev and a number of other cool guys.
I'm not sure about picrures he weared this particular MA-1, in any case, Nick once searched the entire Internet and did not find it, everywhere there are only a couple of his photos in L2B

 

[Pa12]

Mine too, Brice. I'm proud that I once managed to see him in Dayton. For me, this is one of the most significant meetings, as well as with Leonov and Pepeliaev and a number of other cool guys.
I'm not sure about picrures he weared this particular MA-1, in any case, Nick once searched the entire Internet and did not find it, everywhere there are only a couple of his photos in L2B

Mine too guys. But I’ve read some incredible stuff about bob Hoover as well. These 2 were the best of the best. Hoover just wasn’t as keen about being in the military.

 

[Pilot]

Mine too, Brice. I'm proud that I once managed to see him in Dayton. For me, this is one of the most significant meetings, as well as with Leonov and Pepeliaev and a number of other cool guys.
I'm not sure about picrures he weared this particular MA-1, in any case, Nick once searched the entire Internet and did not find it, everywhere there are only a couple of his photos in L2B

Never had the honor nor the pleasure to meet CJ in person… but most of his FAFL, RAF, LW fellas.
Great moments..
Thanks to all of them and RIP all you Noble Eagles!

 

[Nickb123]

Mine too, Brice. I'm proud that I once managed to see him in Dayton. For me, this is one of the most significant meetings, as well as with Leonov and Pepeliaev and a number of other cool guys.
I'm not sure about picrures he weared this particular MA-1, in any case, Nick once searched the entire Internet and did not find it, everywhere there are only a couple of his photos in L2B

This warrants another search.