The Few Type B-6 Sheepskin Flight Jacket, Aero Leather Beacon N.Y. Label Reproduction, Brown Mouton, Size 38R

A Type B-6 sheepskin flying jacket by The Few of New Zealand, reproducing an Aero Leather Clothing Co. of Beacon, New York, contract jacket in pebbled brown mouton with russet leather edging.

The Type B-6, the fighter pilot's sheepskin

The heavy B-3 was the jacket of the bomber crews who flew for hours at high altitude in unheated fuselages, but it was too bulky at lower altitudes and almost impossible to wear in a fighter cockpit. The Army Air Forces' answer, introduced in the late 1930s, was the B-6: a lighter, shorter sheepskin with a bi-swing back for reaching controls, adjustable cuffs and epaulettes, and a hem that could be drawn in.

Aero Leather Clothing Co. of Beacon, New York, was among its contractors. B-6s have the lowest survival rate of all the Air Forces' wartime sheepskins, which is why originals are seldom seen and why serious reproductions of the type are valued.

The Few of New Zealand

The Few is the New Zealand leather workshop that collectors know as RMNZ, the maker behind The Real McCoy's leather jackets before that company's restructuring in 2001. It continued under its own name, cutting reproductions for the Japanese market of a standard many enthusiasts still call the benchmark, and in 2015 it closed its mail-order business, citing freight, material and currency costs and earthquake damage to its premises. Every piece it made is therefore part of a closed body of work.

The Piece

This is a reproduction by The Few, made in New Zealand. The neck label reproduces an Aero Leather Clothing Co. B-6, Beacon, New York, with an order number beginning 43-13616 and 'Property Air Force U.S. Army', partly hidden by the fleece, and size 38R; The Few's winged label is sewn inside.

The shell is a pebbled mid-to-dark brown mouton with the slightly matt, grained surface of a well-handled sheepskin, edged in russet leather along the seams, the zip, the pockets and the cuffs. The collar is full honey fleece with a leather throat strap and buckle; the shoulders carry epaulettes, the front has two slanted welt pockets, and the zip is a reproduction Talon. Inside, the fleece is thick and golden, with cream cotton pocket bags.

It is a short, close-fitting sheepskin, warmer than any leather jacket and far less cumbersome than a B-3, and it is as practical on a cold city street as it was in a cockpit.

Good condition throughout, with no notable marks or wear.

Details

• Maker: The Few Mfg. Co., New Zealand
• Type: Type B-6 sheepskin flying jacket, reproduction
• Label: Aero Leather Clothing Co., Beacon, N.Y. · Order No. 43-13616 (partly hidden)
• Material: Sheepskin mouton with leather edging; cotton pocket bags; Talon-type zip
• Colour: Brown shell, honey fleece
• Made in: New Zealand
• Tagged size: 38R
• Measurements: Shoulder 48 cm · Chest (pit to pit) 57 cm · Sleeve 59 cm · Length 59 cm
• Included: Jacket only

Condition

• Excellent used condition
• No notable marks or wear
• Fleece full and clean
• Zip, strap and buckle in good order

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 wooden hanger in a cool, ventilated place, keep away from rain and heat, and brush the fleece lightly when needed.

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.

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