Peter Graham
Well-Known Member
I sent a message to the seller of this M445a just to tell him that it's not a repro http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271990960141? ... 31c16&cp=1 which got me thinking. So many Navy shearlings seem to be in this state, even though most of them look to have had little use. I'm speaking from experience. I once owned a mint unissued M445a. The first time I put it on my hand went through the cuff. Surely it's not down to poor quality shearling as so many exhibit the same weakness. It can't all have been bad. My bet is whatever they were treated with doesn't allow the leather to breathe. The coating seems to be thicker and more crinkly than on AAF jackets. It's a real shame because they would make great wearers if they didn't fall apart ! Anyone else have a theory on this ?