Item Description
Painted WWII American A-2 Flight Jackets have realized unprecedented prices in the past year. For example jackets at Rock Island Auctions sold in 2022 for $32,000+ and $23,000+ respectively they can be found at this link and this link. When comparing the Rock Island Auction jackets with the one offered here, one can easily see that our offering is an exceptional value!
Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a wonderful WWII American painted patch A-2 leather flight jacket attributed to a member of the “Jungle Airforce”, the 25th Liaison Squadron. Constituted as 25 Observation Squadron (Light) on 5 Feb 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942. Redesignated as: 25 Observation Squadron on 4 Jul 1942; 25 Liaison Squadron on 2 Apr 1943. Inactivated on 25 Mar 1949. Redesignated as 25 Tactical Air Support Squadron on 30 Mar 1971. Activated on 8 Jul 1971. Inactivated on 15 Sep 1989. Redesignated as 25 Air Liaison Squadron on 26 Sep 1990. Activated on 1 Oct 1990. Redesignated as 25 Air Support Operations Squadron on 1 Aug 1994.
The A-2 jacket is in fantastic, service worn condition with fantastic embroidered insignia. The front left chest features a large black leather painted patch with a kangaroo with GUINEA-SHORT-LINES above it and JUNGLE AIR FORCE beneath it. The yellow paint has been retained well enough to read what it says, but there is quite a bit of paint loss present. Above the squadron patch is a small leather name tag for R.L. EASTON. We have not been able to locate any service information, making for a wonderful research opportunity.
Jacket is in size US 38 and has retained all original components including original knit waist band and sleeve cuffs, something we often see replaced on A-2 jackets that saw extensive service. Also original is the CONMAR brand zipper which is still functional. As stated, the jacket saw extensive service and the condition reflects that. There is tcracking scattered throughout the exterior leather, especially on the shoulder areas.
The interior lining does have tearing and stitching loss present, so do handle it with care. The top rear back portion of the liner still retains the original tag which reads as:
TYPE A2
DWG No. 30-1415
ORDER NO. 42-16175
NEWBURGH, N.Y.
PROPERTY
AIR FORCE U.S. ARMY
38
This is an incredible example of a hard to find painted A-2 jacket, offered in wonderful condition. Comes more than ready for further research and display.
Approximate measurements: Size 38
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