The Few
The Few Type B-3 Sheepskin Bomber Jacket, Philips Tanning Label Reproduction, Dark Brown Mouton, Size 42
The Few Type B-3 Sheepskin Bomber Jacket, Philips Tanning Label Reproduction, Dark Brown Mouton, Size 42
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A Type B-3 sheepskin bomber jacket by The Few of New Zealand, carrying a Philips Tanning label, in glossy dark brown mouton with russet leather trim and a deep cream fleece.
The Type B-3, armour against the cold
The B-3 was standardised on 29 May 1933 and remained the Army Air Forces' heavy flying jacket until it was discontinued on 23 May 1943. It was made for the bomber crews of the Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces, who flew for hours at altitudes where the air in an unheated fuselage could fall to minus forty, and it is cut from heavy shearling with leather reinforcement over the seams, a single map pocket, side belts at the hem and a great collar that straps closed around the face with two buckles.
As the war went on, makers pieced the jackets from more and smaller panels to save skins, and the Air Forces accepted these variations, so wartime B-3s differ from one contract to the next. The image of a B-17 crew standing beneath their aircraft in sheepskin is, more often than not, an image of the B-3.
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 stamped neck label, partly hidden by the fleece, carries a Philips Tanning name with specification and order lines, and The Few's winged label is sewn into the pocket.
The shell is a glossy, deeply crackled dark brown mouton, with russet leather edging along the seams, the centre back, the hem and the cuffs. The front closes on a long zip, with a slanted map pocket on the right; the collar is broad cream fleece with two russet leather straps and steel buckles, and the waist has side belts. The fleece inside is thick and creamy throughout.
It is, frankly, the warmest jacket a person can own, and The Few's sheepskin is pliable enough to wear rather than merely display. Size 42 sits generously, with room for a heavy sweater.
Clean and well kept, with only a dulling to the finish of the collar buckles.
Details
- Maker: The Few Mfg. Co., New Zealand
- Type: Type B-3 sheepskin bomber jacket, reproduction
- Label: Philips Tanning (as described; label partly hidden by fleece)
- Material: Sheepskin mouton with leather trim; steel buckles
- Colour: Dark brown shell, russet trim, cream fleece
- Made in: New Zealand
- Tagged size: 42
- Measurements: Shoulder 50 cm · Chest (pit to pit) 54 cm · Sleeve 62 cm · Length 64 cm
- Included: Jacket only
Condition
- Graded A outside and A inside
- Dulling on the collar buckles
- Finish, trim and fleece in excellent order
- Zip and straps sound
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.
Considered offers are welcome through Send an Offer, and each one is reviewed personally. Pieces over $1,000 may be reserved over several payments with Layaway Privilege™.
Continue browsing: Japan Luxury Archive
Heavy shearling, located
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