The Few Type A-2 Perry Sportswear 42-16175-P Reproduction, Russet Cowhide, 10th Anniversary Zero Booklet, Size 36

A Type A-2 by The Few of New Zealand on the Perry Sportswear pattern, contract 42-16175-P, in glowing russet cowhide, near mint and accompanied by the house's 10th anniversary 'Zero' booklet.

The Type A-2, 1931 to 1943

The Type A-2 entered service test in September 1930 and became standard issue for the Army Air Corps on 9 May 1931, cut to specification 94-3040 in seal brown horsehide and to Drawing 30-1415, the number woven into every wartime label. Its vocabulary is now so familiar that it is easy to forget it was ever designed: knitted cuffs and waistband, two snap-flap patch pockets, shoulder straps, a shirt-style collar with a small hook, and a zip front made for gloved hands.

In 1942 General H. H. 'Hap' Arnold cancelled further A-2 contracts in favour of cloth flying jackets, and on 27 April 1943 the A-2 was declared limited standard. By then it had become far more than issue clothing. Squadron artists in England, Italy and the Pacific painted bombers, pin-ups and mission tallies across the backs, and the jacket became a personal record of a man's war.

Perry Sportswear of Newburgh

Perry Sportswear of Newburgh, New York, made A-2s on several Army Air Forces orders, and contract 42-16175-P of 1942 is the Perry label most often reproduced. Perry jackets were made in the russet and seal browns of the period, and the warm russet shade here is the colour many collectors picture when they think of a factory-fresh wartime A-2.

The Few was the New Zealand workshop behind The Real McCoy's leather jackets before 2001, and its later work under its own name is still regarded as among the finest reproduction leatherwork made. It closed its mail-order business in 2015, so its jackets now circulate only from one owner to the next.

The Piece

This is a reproduction made by The Few in New Zealand. The woven label reads 'Type A-2, Dwg. No. 30-1415, A.C. Order No. 42-16175-P, Perry Sportswear Inc., Newburgh, N.Y., Property Air Force U.S. Army', size 36, with an inspector's stamp and the Army Air Forces emblem printed on the brown lining. The care label reads 'Cowhide, Made in New Zealand, The Few Mfg. Co.'

The leather is a russet-brown cowhide with a rich, glassy finish and a natural grain that has already begun to show soft creasing at the elbows and pockets. The knits are brown, the zip is a period-style one with a leather pull, and the snap-flap pockets, shoulder straps and collar hook follow the A-2 pattern.

With it comes The Few's 10th anniversary leaflet from the 2013-2014 collection, 'The Few Keep It Flying', illustrated with the Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero.

Size 36 is short and trim, suited to a slim frame. Lightly worn and very clean.

Details

• Maker: The Few Mfg. Co., New Zealand
• Season: Attributed to the 2013-2014 10th anniversary collection
• Model / ref: Type A-2, Perry Sportswear pattern
• Label: Perry Sportswear Inc., Newburgh, N.Y. · Dwg. 30-1415 · A.C. Order No. 42-16175-P
• Material: Cowhide; cotton lining
• Colour: Russet brown
• Made in: New Zealand
• Tagged size: 36
• Measurements: Shoulder 44 cm · Chest (pit to pit) 51 cm · Sleeve 62 cm · Length 60 cm
• Included: The Few 10th anniversary 'Zero' leaflet

Condition

• Near mint, lightly worn
• Gentle natural creasing at the elbows and pockets
• Lining, knits and zip clean and sound
• No damage of note

Condition grade A on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.

Authenticity & Care

The labels, materials, stitching, hardware and construction are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch; anything that cannot be confirmed is stated plainly in the description. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Hang on a broad shoulder hanger, keep from heat and direct sun, and condition the cowhide sparingly with a neutral cream.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.

Collectors also search: The Few A-2 · The Few Perry A-2 · Perry Sportswear A-2 reproduction · 42-16175-P A-2 · RMNZ A-2 · russet A-2 jacket · A-2 flight jacket size 36 · The Few flight jacket New Zealand · cowhide A-2 jacket · The Few 10th anniversary