The affinity between high
performance Horsehide jackets, be they military, law enforcement or civilian, is most
evident in this Custom piece made for an AAF enlisted man to take to war. The color is
Russet Brown and the epaulets also emulate the A-2. Zippers are
military issue Talons and a semi-hidden vertical pocket lies under the lapel. A painted
leather 101st Reconnaissance Squadron patch is sewn on the left chest and the owner's name and
rank are stamped inside. This is by no means the first motorcycle jacket we've run across
that was used in the armed services during the war but they are, make no mistake, very
rare. This is, however, the first we've seen that was custom made for AAF use. The 101st
was stationed in Hyannis before embarking for Europe so it's clear that the owner visited
Leathertogs, an eminent original motorcycle clothing manufacturer of the very
highest quality in Everitt, Mass. to order this jacket.
Note that this label does not indicate
Beck, additional evidence that
BECK
distributed Leathertogs (and its Northeaster Flying Togs) and likely indicative
that Becks themselves were made by Leathertogs.
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