Entire books have been devoted to the US Navy G-1 flight jacket. There have been dozens of makers contracted by the government to produce them. Rather than try to write the entire history, I'll just direct you
here for a good rundown.
Of all of the jackets issued by the military, these are defiantly my favorite. The shade of the leather, material, and color of the collar make each jacket fairly original and unique.
If you want an authentic USN jacket, there are a few things to look for to make sure they aren't a civilian jacket. Each Navy issued jacket will have "USN" poked into the windflap behind the zipper. They feature a heavy Conmar zipper, and an identifying tag at the nape of the neck which will tell you the maker and year issued. Quite often (although not on these examples) a white "USN" is stenciled on the back of the collar.
The first jacket below is a 1940s civilian jacket made by Durable. The rich brown horshide, paired with the caramel mouton collar and the angled breast pocket made this jacket a winner at auction. It was bought from another picker for $100 and sold at auction for $315.
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| 1940s Durable civilian jacket made of Horsehide |
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| 1940s Durable Horsehide Jacket |
This next jacket is 1940s civilian jacket, as well. It's on it's way to the leather shop for a new waistband, cuffs, and zipper. Horsehide leather. Maker unknown.
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| Unknown 1940s Horsehide Flight Jacket with new waistband, cuffs, and zipper. |
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| Unknown 1940s Horsehide Jacket |
The official military G-1 jacket didn't really come into being until after WW2. Previous to 1947, the jacket that was to become the G-1 was called the M-422. The G-1 is still issued for naval flying today by the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
G-1 flight jackets were tight fitting and often worn underneath heavier flight jackets to keep pilots and crew warm at extremely high altitudes.
The leather itself is almost always goatskin, which is extremely tough and durable without being as heavy as other leathers.
These two jackets will be going to auction within the next few days.
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| A pair of US Navy issued Type G-1 Intermediate Flyers Jackets |
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| 1961 Type G-1 Flyers Jacket by Ralph Edwards Sportswear |
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| Backside 1961 Type G-1 Flyers Jacket by Ralph Edwards Sportswear |
Military issued G-1 jackets have a fairly complex lining which mimics the bi-swing shoulders and waistband of the shell. They also have one inside pistol or map pocket.
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| Inside G-1 Jacket |
The colors of the leather and collar can very greatly between jackets.
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| 1960s US Navy Type G-1 Jacket by unknown maker |
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| Navy G-1 Flyers Jacket Perforated Wind Flap |
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| Barely legible military spec tag for Type G-1 Flyers Jacket by Ralph Edwards Sportswear |
Many more modern leather makers have created and sold there own versions of the G-1 flyers jacket. Although they don't maintain the same collectable value as the military issued jackets. They can still be very valuable and sought after.
This Schott I-S-674 is a bit of a bastard child of the G-1 and A-2 jackets with a little bit of there own twist thrown in. The hide is much heavier than the military jackets and it's also pile lined for warmth. It's become one of my favorite jackets and won't be for sale until I find a better replacement.
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| 60s-70s Schott Brothers I-S-647-M-S |
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| 60s-70s Schott Brothers I-S-647-M-S |
