Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Share #1 Posted March 21, 2015 I don't normally collect flight gear and can't remember the last flight jacket I acquired. However that all changed over the last month when I stumbled across FOUR that I couldn't pass up! The first one that started the chain is this B-15B. Overall it is in great shape with some minor wear, but no real major issues to note. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted March 21, 2015 More of the B-15B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted March 21, 2015 The second jacket is a 1964 dated G-1 in a large size 44. It doesn't appear any patches were ever sewn on it. The mouton collar has a nice honey brown color to it, with no dry spots. The liner and cuffs/waistband are also in nice shape. Although I'm not a big fan of wearing items in my collection, this jacket might be the exception! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted March 21, 2015 The label. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted March 21, 2015 The back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted March 21, 2015 The third jacket is one that is very special to me since I have a strong interest in Skyraider squadrons during Vietnam. It is a 1960 dated California Sportswear G-1 in a size 44. It was owned by a man who served as the Ordnance Officer of VA-145 (The Swordsmen). They were a Skyraider squadron that flew early in the Vietnam War while on the USS Constellation. The jacket itself is in great shape and is made of a very heavy leather. Other then a few minor paint splotches here and there, it is in excellent condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted March 21, 2015 The label. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted March 21, 2015 The patch. (A special thanks to Gil and Bob for their opinions on the patch) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted March 21, 2015 The lining. I really like the burgundy color of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted March 21, 2015 The back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted March 21, 2015 The man who owned it is second from the right in the back row. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted March 21, 2015 The last one I picked up from Bay State Militaria. Before I describe it, a quick plug for this dealer. I had a great transaction with them. Good communication and the jacket was very well packed and sent fast. As for the jacket, this is one that I normally would pass on, but for some reason I kept coming back to it. There is no label. However, it appears that this is a B-15D or possibly a very early MA-1. It retains the early squared off windshield, snaps for the radio lines and oxygen mask tab. No orange lining and had a name tape and oval patch sewn on it at one time. One other interesting note about this one is that there is a name sewn into one of the interior pockets. Unfortunately I can't really read it, so this jacket and ghost patches will probably remain a mystery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted March 21, 2015 Some early features. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #14 Posted March 21, 2015 The back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share #15 Posted March 21, 2015 Lastly, the sewn name. "Dalbert" maybe as the last name??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted March 21, 2015 Share #16 Posted March 21, 2015 Nice collection...good job "stumbling"..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted March 21, 2015 Share #17 Posted March 21, 2015 That B-15B is a beauty! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundance Posted March 21, 2015 Share #18 Posted March 21, 2015 Very nice. That's one lucky streak you're having. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stony Posted March 21, 2015 Share #19 Posted March 21, 2015 Nice B-15B! It's one of the few types of flight jackets I've never owned, but someday maybe I will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted March 23, 2015 Share #20 Posted March 23, 2015 Lastly, the sewn name. "Dalbert" maybe as the last name??? Maybe Clyde for the first name? Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashlarue Posted March 23, 2015 Share #21 Posted March 23, 2015 Name looks to me like Clyde Gilbert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsoon Posted March 26, 2015 Share #22 Posted March 26, 2015 Nice flight jackets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger Gunner USMC Posted March 28, 2015 Share #23 Posted March 28, 2015 I also think the last name is Gilbert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River Patrol Posted March 28, 2015 Share #24 Posted March 28, 2015 Nice flight jackets!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share #25 Posted March 28, 2015 Thanks for the comments and the name suggestions. The more I look at it, the last name does appear to be Gilbert. I did find a Korean War F-86 pilot by the name of Clyde Gilbert, but the chances of linking him to the jacket are slim to none! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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