T he perfect
WWII A-2 Flight Jacket in Goatskin.
During WWII
the Type A-2 Flight Jacket was made in chrome-tanned, drum-dyed HORSEHIDE
and GOATSKIN (only). Most were Horsehide, but if Horsehide was
unavailable contractors could and did make many in Goatskin. In fact
Goatskin examples appear from the beginning, in the 1930s. In a prewar
1941 flight magazine Aero Leather -- which would become the biggest WWII
A-2 contractor -- advertised genuine surplus government Goatskin A-2s for
$10.00. (We've tried to place a large order but our mail keeps getting
returned!) Presumably every one of the 20 or more AAF A-2
contractors produced some in Goatskin (to date we haven't yet seen one by
Werber Sportswear -- but Werbers are scarcer to begin with).
As with Horsehide, Goatskin A-2s came in different shades of Russet,
Chestnut and Seal Brown depending on the contractor and what hides were
available. (Contract Nos. had nothing to do with color.) To satisfy
customers who prefer a darker jacket, we make ours in Seal Brown (note
above shots, this is not a blackish or ultra-dark Brown).
Goatskin is
as strong as Horsehide but initially far, far suppler, with a super-fine, muted
pebble-like grain. Our Goatskin is famed for its weight, granular
consistency, rich deep color and hand. It needs no break-in; put it on,
it's buttery, but thick and strong. Peerless hide. We have nearly as many enthusiasts
for our Goatskin as our Horsehide. Examine the shots
above: the heft and grain of the hides; the detailing; the shaping. The
drama. It's all there, but it's so much more once a customer gets to wear
it.
We pay a
lot more for our Goatskin than others, but the bottom line is -- we have
to, because for LOST WORLDS quality and specification are what are
important. Wear it in the drenching rain to appreciate its natural
water repellency, coupled with our unique 196/90 Type VI military Oxford
Tobacco Brown Cotton lining with waterproof finish. Our hides thrive on
and in bad weather.
Made of course in our
own New York factory to artisan levels of quality, fit and proportion.
For all Materials,
Specifications, Hardware see:
A-2
FLIGHT JACKET
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