WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket

Since I started a winter theme with the last posting, I thought I'd publish some photos of the most wintery of winter jackets ever made.

This M445-A Jacket was very early or pre-WW2. The Navy made some changes after this model was issued, and the army changed it again to make the more common  B-3 jacket.

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (back)

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (Early Talon Zipper)

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (collar)

WW2 US Navy M445a Shearling Flight Jacket (nomenclature label)

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate

 These rare wool caps were only officially issued to Army Air Corps airplane mechanics.  Since they needed to squeeze into small spaces, the official billed "beanie" cap was deemed a little bit too cumbersome. 

It has been noted that Army paratroopers managed to acquire and use these quite frequently.

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate

We put this hat up to auction last week and were surprised that it fetched a whopping $218.84.  It was a really nice, almost unissued looking example.  The money that collectors will spend on items is always baffling.

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate (Inside-out)

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap  Spec Tag

US Navy N-1 Deck Jacket (WW2 and Post)

During World War 2, the N-1 deck jacket was standard issue to all enlisted Navy personnel.   It originally featured a heavy "Jungle-Cloth" outer shell with a man-made "alpaca" fur lining.  These jackets were/are extremely weather repellant and warm.  This first one is a post-WW2 deck jacket that we recently put to auction and received $206.47.  It was in immaculate shape but had none of the desirable USN stenciling or sailor customization.  Just a fine example of an N-1 deck jacket the way it would have been issued.

Post WW2 N-1 Deck Jacket

Note the difference in the pile lining from the WW2 version.  Also, an aluminum YKK zipper.

This N-1 Jacket is from the WW2 period, complete with stains, stencils, and wear from the era. It appears to have been issued to 2 different sailors, with the second writing his name over the first on the back.  Perhaps the first perrished in combat, who knows.

One of the perks/downfalls of being a picker is that you don't really own anything, you just get to use it for a while.  This N-1 is being used by me personally until it's restoration is completed.  A new-old-stock Conmar zipper will replace the replacement.  The missing buttons will be replaced with originals.  The tattered elbow will mended.  It will receive a mild cleaning to remove the loose dirt, and possibly the USN stencil on the front will be touched back up to make it visible again.  Once all of this is done, and something else catches my fancy, it will be placed at auction.  The projected value is somewhere between $350-$500.

WW2 era US Navy N-1 Deck Jacket

What's left of the U.S.N. stencil on the left breast.

N-1 Deck Jacket Back Veiw

Second owners name written over the first's

Interior Alpaca lining and new-old-stock Conmar zipper

Manufactures label no longer legible.

Wool, knit cuffs in remarkably good condition.

A poor quality zipper had replaced the original.  This Conmar NOS will replace it.