WWII AVG private purchase A-2

[24th_infantry]

Finally got a killer private purchased A2.  Sadly not named but I'm close to nailing down the pilot.  He was a P-40 pilot with the AVG and 5 confirmed kills. Has the 2nd pursuit squadron painted on the front and Flying Tigers on the back.  There is a faint AVG painted on the right chest and the left pocket has the USMC EGA stenciled on it.  Inside has the blood chit.  The liner is chewed up but the leather is still in great shape.  Hope you all enjoy!

 

I appreciate any input you all may have.  I got this from a reputable source so I am not too concerned about it's authenticity but insight is always appreciated.  

 

[Wade20th]

Very nice jacket! I love the little panda! 

 

Wade

[patrick_usmc]

Could you post a closer photo of the USMC stamp? Thanks! 
 

Patrick

[24th_infantry]

On 11/28/2025 at 10:02 AM, patrick_usmc said:

Could you post a closer photo of the USMC stamp? Thanks! 
 

Patrick

Here is the USMC stamp. 

[patrick_usmc]

Thank you! I can't comment on anything else about the jacket, but unfortunately, that Marine Corps insignia is definitely a post-war addition. This is one of the iron-on decals displayed in this thread. 

 

 

That doesn't necessarily affect its overall authenticity (I suppose the vet could have added it later on, as these were readily available at surplus stores and the like), but I think it's important to note at the least. 

 

Sorry to potentially throw a wrench in the mix here! I hope it's helpful overall. 

 

With my best,

 

Patrick

[Castle_Keep]

The bloodchit looks like a vintage airshow keepsake.  

[manayunkman]

This blood chit has been reviewed here before.

[R Leonard]

Sorry guys, I took one look and said "bah, humbug, this is a ginned up jacket."  Someone went to a lot of trouble to strive for seeming authenticity.

 

And for the record, there were but six of the AVG Flying Tigers with prior service in the Marine Corps and I believe we can eliminate three of them from consideration:  Curtis Smith, Gregory Boyington, and Edmund Overend, all three of whom had post-AVG USMC commissions as aviators. 

 

But the obvious question is where did whomever get an, evidently post-war, iron-on USMC stencil during the December 1941 to July 1942 period while operating from airfields in China? 

 

Does this pass the rationality test? IMO No.

[24th_infantry]

4 hours ago, R Leonard said:

Sorry guys, I took one look and said "bah, humbug, this is a ginned up jacket."  Someone went to a lot of trouble to strive for seeming authenticity.

 

And for the record, there were but six of the AVG Flying Tigers with prior service in the Marine Corps and I believe we can eliminate three of them from consideration:  Curtis Smith, Gregory Boyington, and Edmund Overend, all three of whom had post-AVG USMC commissions as aviators. 

 

But the obvious question is where did whomever get an, evidently post-war, iron-on USMC stencil during the December 1941 to July 1942 period while operating from airfields in China? 

 

Does this pass the rationality test? IMO No.

Yea I feel like a tool.  Live and learn. I appreciate all the help and advice. 

[jerry_k]

Hope you didn't pay an arm and a leg for this jacket? 

[24th_infantry]

1 hour ago, jerry_k said:

Hope you didn't pay an arm and a leg for this jacket? 

Luckily I wasn't burnt too bad.  I'll keep it as a reminder to be cautious, even when it comes to friends.  Maybe I'll get the liner replaced and wear the dang thing.  

[manayunkman]

Unfortunately due to unscrupulous sellers the trick to this hobby, which is so important, is to know what you are looking at before you make a decision.

 

Please Google or use us here on the forum to help you vet stuff and save you lots of money.

 

 

[Jacob morrison814]

48 minutes ago, manayunkman said:

Unfortunately due to unscrupulous sellers the trick to this hobby, which is so important, is to know what you are looking at before you make a decision.

 

Please Google or use us here on the forum to help you vet stuff and save you lots of money.

 

 

Thank you!