mr_lits Posted March 27, 2013 Share #1 Posted March 27, 2013 I had the fortune to recently acquire an Aero AC contract B3 jacket. I really wish this jacket could tell some stories. It is not without many repairs, but it shows signs it has been well taken care of. The straps are all perfectly pressed into folds from years of use and are perfectly creased yet not brittle or rotten. Has a replacement zipper but is a true 50s post war vintage Talon. All in all great patina even with patches ranging from very old to some that appear more recent. AAF logo is still bright and proud even with years of wear. A true classic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparty On Posted July 14, 2013 Share #2 Posted July 14, 2013 This jacket looks very similar to the British Irvin flight jackets. My Irvin has a similar appearance with a similar seem down the middle on the back and what looks like straps around the waste too. Is it possible this jacket was made for the USAAF by Irvin? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 14, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted July 14, 2013 I have seen many examples of the B3s with the two part back. I'm quite sure it was made by Aero. The irvine would usually have a full waist strap where as the B3 will only have two side straps under the arms. The Irvine and the B3 do share many similarities though I am quite certain of this one being an authentically aero marked jacket. Thanks for the question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebuddy Posted July 14, 2013 Share #4 Posted July 14, 2013 Rob heres the back of my B3 just for comparison , cracking looking jacket you have there !! i would love a original redskin B3 ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 14, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted July 14, 2013 Carl, you have the other variant of a 3 panel back. I unfortunately do not own that jacket anymore. I had an offer from a gentleman in Germany a while back and let him have it. I am waiting to find a very minty version of an early B3 for my collection. Most of the ones I have owned were in tough or repaired shape. Any thoughts on how you are going to repair your zipper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebuddy Posted July 14, 2013 Share #6 Posted July 14, 2013 the zipper Rob mmmm as of yet no !! lol i have found an original conmar and talon but both are to small only 17 inches there was a crown one too but again too small !!! like your self Rob i want to keep things as original as possible and not to ruin the jacket if you know what i mean ? LB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 15, 2013 Author Share #7 Posted July 15, 2013 Hey Sparty do you own an Irvine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparty On Posted July 15, 2013 Share #8 Posted July 15, 2013 I do, I actually just got it last week. I can post some pics tomorrow and you can see the resemblance of the two and why I thought maybe yours might have been made by Irvin. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 15, 2013 Author Share #9 Posted July 15, 2013 Sounds good, looking forward to seeing 'em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted July 15, 2013 Share #10 Posted July 15, 2013 This is my Aero Leathers B3...well-used with several period repairs...including the substitution of an Air Ministry zipper from an Irvine jacket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 15, 2013 Author Share #11 Posted July 15, 2013 I love the last contract variant of the Aero B3 with the different straps. Thanks for sharing Sabre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebuddy Posted July 15, 2013 Share #12 Posted July 15, 2013 ahhh yes !! i hadnt noticed Ians were small !!!! (straps) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparty On Posted July 15, 2013 Share #13 Posted July 15, 2013 Here's my British Irvin jacket for comparison to the original post. You can see the similarities of the seam on the reverse side of both jackets. I don't believe my Irvin is 100% original as I'm almost certain the front zipper has been replaced and the straps on the waste have been replaced. Both straps appear too new and the stitching does not match the other stitching found on other seams throughout the jacket. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparty On Posted July 15, 2013 Share #14 Posted July 15, 2013 Photos of the sleeves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 15, 2013 Author Share #15 Posted July 15, 2013 Nice looking Irvine! Yeah it looks like the strap is a replacement and replacement zippers are quite common on jackets of this era. One thing I really love about the Irvine is the zips on the sleeve, I always thought those were cool. Looks like it is still in pretty good condition. Nice jacket, thanks for sharing. The back sure does look similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparty On Posted July 16, 2013 Share #16 Posted July 16, 2013 Aside from some sheerling missing around the collar it's in really solid shape. No tears or rips. Just before I posted the photos of it, I noticed how much heavier it was than my Aero B3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share #17 Posted July 16, 2013 Aero original or repro? They make a damn close repro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparty On Posted July 16, 2013 Share #18 Posted July 16, 2013 It's original with several field repairs. It's in decent shape but couldn't resist it for the price ($235). I'm slowly piecing together a bomber pilot display mannequin. Ill post my B3 shortly tonight in a new thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share #19 Posted July 16, 2013 Looking forward to it. An original B3 for 235 is a sweat deal too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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