WWII USAAF A-2 Flight Jacket, “1756” Type, 15th Air Force Hand-Painted Back and 50 Mission Bombs, Size 38

A fully original U.S. Army Air Forces A-2 of the Second World War, worn in the 15th Air Force and painted across the back with the names of the countries its wearer likely flew over. Fifty mission bombs on the chest, vivid shoulder art and a thick, supple hide make it a museum-grade survivor.

The Piece

This authentic U.S. Army Air Forces A-2 flight jacket from World War II is fully original. It was used in the 15th Army Air Force, active in the European Theater, and is of the well-known “1756” type, an A-2 famous among collectors for its unknown manufacturer.

The back carries a beautiful full painting featuring the names of the countries over which the wearer likely flew missions with his aircraft. On the right chest, 50 mission bombs are painted, recording 50 sorties. The left shoulder bears the 15th AAF insignia and the right shoulder a painted U.S. flag. All of the artwork remains vivid and intact, and the back painting is one of a kind.

The leather reads as seal-brown steerhide, though it could also be horsehide. It is very thick and, apart from some small scratches, remains supple and well preserved for its age. The CONMAR zipper works smoothly. A genuine A-2 in this condition is rarely encountered; previously in the collection of a well-known U.S. collector, from whom it was acquired around 2010, the jacket remains wearable but deserves to be cherished as a collector’s piece and passed on to future generations.

Details

• Maker: Unknown manufacturer (“1756” type A-2)
• Model: U.S. Army Air Forces Type A-2 flight jacket
• Era: World War II
• Origin: United States
• Unit: 15th Army Air Force, European Theater
• Material: Seal-brown leather, appearing to be steerhide but possibly horsehide; very thick
• Hardware: CONMAR zipper, working smoothly
• Size: US 38 (roughly Japanese M)
• Measurements: Shoulder width 44 cm · Chest (pit to pit) approx. 48 cm · Sleeve approx. 64 cm from shoulder, 50 cm from underarm · Length (bottom of collar to knit waistband) approx. 60 cm
• Artwork: Full back painting with names of countries; 50 mission bombs on the right chest; 15th AAF insignia on the left shoulder; painted U.S. flag on the right shoulder
• Provenance: Acquired around 2010 from a well-known U.S. collector

Condition

• Fully original and in good overall condition for its age; all artwork vivid and intact.
• Leather very thick and supple, with some small scratches.
• Small tear in the lining above the tag; no significant damage otherwise.
• Knit parts show minor damage but remain in good shape.
• CONMAR zipper works smoothly. Still wearable, though best kept as a collector’s piece.

Authenticity & Care

A fully original WWII A-2 of the “1756” type, whose manufacturer is unknown; acquired around 2010 from a well-known U.S. collector. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

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. Returns follow our published policy.

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