Code: 53292
An original United States Navy M422A leather flying jacket dating from the Second World War and in good condition.
The M422 pattern jacket was standardised on the 28th of March 1940 and the M422A superseded it on the 1st of October 1941 with the only difference being the addition of a pen pocket inside the left patch pocket. This jacket is the forerunner to the famous G-1 jacket worn by US Navy flyers from the 1950s and up until the present day. It is now an iconic jacket and saw action in every major battle the USN was involved in during WW2.
This example is made from goatskin as all were aside from one manufacturer who used horse hide. The leather is a dark brown colour and has an excellent patina which has signs of wear and age but is still strong and wearable. The jacket retains its original 'Crown' branded zipper with sprung puller. It is marked 'Made in USA' to the reverse. The jacket features a light coloured fur collar which is in excellent condition and still retains its collar latch and buttons to the reverse. The original USN stencil is also present in yellow to the rear of the collar. The knitted waistband is also original although the cuffs look like they could be replacements.
The interior of the jacket is fully lined in the correct crimson red colour rayon material although this may be a replacement as there are no signs of where the original label was attached previously. There is a white cotton tag to the neck which appears to have a number beginning with 4 stamped onto it. The interior pocket features the correct press stud closure and white cotton pocket bag lining to which the word 'god' has been added in ink.
The jacket will suit around a 38" chest well depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures -
Chest - 22"
Inside arm - 19"
Outside arm - 24 1/2"
Length at front - 27 1/2"
Length at back - 25 1/2"
Shoulders - 18"
The jacket is in good condition and is still very wearable. There are plenty of signs of use and age but overall it displays very well and appears to be strong and wearable. The zip works as it should although can be a fiddle to get started on occasion. It is of course a vintage leather jacket so has small issues with the finish to the leather such as scuffs and wear but this is to be expected. Please take time to study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn jacket.
A very good, wearable example which displays well. Own the original!
