Painted WWII American A-2 Flight Jackets have realized unprecedented prices in the past year. For example jackets at Rock Island Auctions sold in 2022 for $32,000 and $23,000 respectively they can be found at this and this . When comparing the Rock Island Auction jackets with the one offered here, one can easily see that our offering is an exceptional value!

Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a wonderful WWII American patched A-2 leather flight jacket attributed to a member of a Field Training Detachment under the 5th Army Air Force at Ryan Airfield in Hemet California.

The airfield opened in September 1940 for the United States Army Air Corps. It was assigned to the West Coast Training Center (later Western Flying Training Command) as a primary (level 1) pilot training airfield. Later it was activated as an Air Corps Training Detachment with Ryan School of Aeronautics conducting primary flight training under control of 5th Flying Training Detachment.

The A-2 jacket is in fantastic, service worn condition with fantastic embroidered insignia. The front left chest features a large embroidered patch of a winged red shield with a hatching bird in the center. The scroll above reads as A POSSE AD ESSE, a Latin verse which means 'from possibility to actually' or similarly 'from possibility to reality'.

Jacket has retained all original components including original knit waist band and sleeve cuffs, something we often see replaced on A-2 jackets that saw extensive service. Also original is the TALON brand zipper which is still functional. As stated, the jacket saw extensive service and the condition reflects that. There is cracking scattered throughout the exterior leather, especially on the shoulder areas.

The interior lining does have tearing and stitching loss present, so do handle it with care. The top rear back portion of the liner still retains the original tag which reads as:

TYPE A2
DRAWING No. 30-1415
CONTRACT NO. W535 AC-27752
ROUGH WEAR CLOTHING CO
MIDDLETOWN, PA.
PROPERTY
AIR FORCE U.S. ARMY

This is an incredible example of a hard to find A-2 jacket, offered in wonderful condition. Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements
Size 40