Description: US Army Air Forces pilots early in WW2 were issued the classic A-2 flight jacket. Crafted of rugged horsehide leather, the A-2 soon became the most iconic flight jacket in aviation history. Highly prized and heavily used, the A-2 was more than just a flight jacket, it was a status symbol. By 1943, the A-2 was being replaced by less expensive cotton and alpaca garments, but those who already had an A-2 could continue to don the old warhorse. The A-2 separated the men from the boys, the hardened veterans from the green rookies, and quickly became symbolic of the daring AAF flyboy of WW2. Some of those "devil may care" aviators had the backs of their A-2 jackets painted with exotic "pin-up" art to remind themselves and everyone else for what and for whom they were fighting. Original A-2 flight jackets are quite rare today, so over the last 40 years, the famous Eastman Leather Clothing Company of Devon, England has produced some exacting recreations, and in many ways, their version exceeds the original. This Vintage US Army AAF WW2 PILOT EASTMAN "FANCY NANCY" PIN UP PAINTED A-2 FLIGHT JACKET is a top of the line REPRODUCTION by the famous Eastman Leather Clothing Company, and dates to the early 1990s. It's in good condition, with some scattered sizable moth holes in the front and back knit waistband, a few small moth holes in the front right knit cuff, a small moth hole in each inner knit cuff, a bit of imperfect seam stitching at the front right hem/waistband join, a few deep nicks and scuffs in the leather patch at the left shoulder, a few deep scratches in the top back right collar, numerous scattered small tears around the inside neck lining, a small "L" shaped tear in the upper middle back lining, a few small tears in the lower middle front placket lining, some scattered fading to the lining, three small spots of flaking to the letter "F" in "Fancy" at the upper left back, some crazing to the painting around the back, some scattered drying, wrinkling, and scratching throughout, and with some overall age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the jacket is in fine shape, with no other damage to the beautifully worn-in "russet" horsehide leather construction. Most interestingly, it boasts an incredible Vargas style pin-up girl hand painted at back, with the nickname "Fancy Nancy" hand painted in red trimmed white "Gothic" lettering along the upper back, and 20 bombs (denoting bombing missions flown) hand painted in red trimmed white across the lower back; work this fine ought to be signed, and sure enough, the artist's name, "J. BruscH", is hand painted in small gray lettering next to the pin-up's left foot. James Brusch was a well known A-2 leather jacket painter in Southern California in the early 1990s, and we've shown a photo of an 8th Air Force Bomb Group Association Newsletter from April 1992 that lists James Brusch and his skillset. The jacket is a Size 40, sports an elegant hand painted on leather 413th Bomb Squadron patch (5" in diameter) at the left chest, the stamped brown leather name strip of a "G.R. FAIRCLOTH" also at the left chest, and a striking hand painted on leather 8th Air Force roundel patch at the left shoulder, and bears the classic early style "TYPE A-2 / EASTMAN / LEATHER CLOTHING" replica AAF nomenclature label at the inside neck. It features a snap down collar, metal "hook and eye" neck closure, "box and X" stitched leather shoulder straps, one way entry snap flap closure lower front pockets, a fully functional "TALON" brass front zipper with a matching russet horsehide pull, brown knit cuffs and waistband, a spun brown cotton lining, and brown finished metal ventilation grommets at the underarms, carries the iconic circular "winged star" outline stamping of the "ARMY AIR FORCES" in black at the upper back lining, and is a fine example of a Vintage US Army AAF WW2 PILOT EASTMAN "FANCY NANCY" PIN UP PAINTED A-2 FLIGHT JACKET. Now celebrating a quarter century on eBay. Buy with confidence and please view our other great military, aviation, and Old West classics, including a rare, original US Army WW2 OFFICER FUR FELT SERVICE DRESS VISOR CAP in very good condition, boasting a lustrous brown leather visor, chinstrap, and "Cavalry" style back strap, and sporting the original screw back US Army officer's spread wing "American Eagle" gilt brass hat device affixed "front and center".*Abramsantiques appreciates your positive feedback and full five star ratings. We strive to make every transaction an exceptional one, and your complete satisfaction is our utmost concern. If for any reason you cannot leave fully positive feedback, contact us first and we will make it right.Measurements: The jacket measures 22" from underarm to underarm across the chest, 18 1/2" from shoulder to shoulder across the back, 24" from the collar/body seam to the bottom of the knit waistband down the back, and with a 24" sleeve from the shoulder to the end of the knit cuff.
Price: 999.99 USD
Location: Claremont, California
End Time: 2024-11-07T17:22:22.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
