IDed Korean War Era 55J14 Model G-1

[Maverickson]

HI All,

 

Just lucked into a fine example of a Korean War era jacket. What really picked my interest in this jacket was how quickly able I was to get info on it's original owner. In addition, this B-G INC jacket comes from a very limited contract and as a result beyond rare.

 

I've only just begun researching it's original owner a CDR Charles S. Porter As seen attaced on the jacket's leather tag.

 

Found that he was the XO of the then VF-144 Bitter Birds and was pictured in USS Randolph April 1953/ May 1954 Med Cruise. Better yet, CDR Porter appears to be wearing this same B-G INC jacket. Albeit, prior to any of the two squadron patches now found attached (VF-144 and VAH-2) having been applied.

 

In the limited time I have spent It also came to my attention that in 1960 while the CO of VAH-2 CDR Porter and a crewmember was lost having been involved in an operational accident.

 

I'm more than certain that there is more info out on Charles Porter and am looking forward to receiving what ever I can find!

 

When the jacket arrives I'll be posting some more detailed pix and get into a little more about what I know about this B-G INC jacket!

 

Thanks Dave

[mark leonard]

Hi Dave

Cant wait to see more photos of the jacket. I have Porters logbooks , he flew SBD's with VB-5 off the USS Yorktown CV-10 in 1943-44.........Mark

[Maverickson]

Hi All,

 

Porter's B-G INC 55j14 showed up yesterday. I've had enough time to go over the jacket. All things considered it is in remarkable condition. It has ultra thick, grainy and what I would refer to as bullet proof hide. I say this because it shows the minimum of wear all in spite of knowing that this particular jacket has had some cockpit wear.

 

As it turned out Mark's information as to Charles Porters WW-2 has been key. Since that time I have been able to recover some interesting info.

 

 

Enjoy!

 

Thanks, Dave

[Maverickson]

Hi All,

 

The stencil on this jacket is quite unique to it's maker.

 

As to what I can gather about the patches, the VF-144 dates 1953/1954. While the VAH-2 and his command from 1960 and time of his loss.

 

Cheers, Dave

[JDK]

Nice find and a great looking jacket!

 

JD

[Maverickson]

Hi All,

 

Wanted to point out another interesting point with this jacket. From what I can gather this B-G INC contract dates 1949. While those Talon zippers used on this make jacket were first seen on late War USN jackets. Many of my AN model USN jackets have this same model brass (Marked Talon) zipper attached.

 

A welcome addition & an obvious hold out from earlier times!

 

 

Cheers, Dave

[Stony]

All the points you make about the B-G Inc. jacket are unique to this contract. The yellow USN under the collar, the thick hide and the leather loop hanger are all B-G Inc. attributes.

 

Nice jacket.

[Maverickson]

Hi All,

 

Thought that some of you all might enjoy seeing Charles Porter's 1949 model 55J14 G-1 again. Only this time seen adjacent to it's reproduction.

 

 

 

These B-G INC 55J14 were among some of the last USN jackets to still utilize vegetable tanned goat hide. A hold out jacket designed after the M-422A with a more modern & less boxy cut. .

 

Cheers, Dave

[bazelot]

You outdid yourself on this one Dave, It is a beauty. Everything is top notch quality with you as always

[krautpot]

Wow, a real beauty with great provenance!