USAAF Type A-2: Aero Contract No. 40-3785-P

• Pattern taken from original 1940 jacket in our archives

• Stand collar

• Talon zipper

• Rounded pocket corners

• Sculptured pocket flap

• Military grade cotton lining

• High grade knitted cuffs and waistband

• Nipple studs

• Pictured left in Dark Seal Vicenza Horsehide

Our A-2 is based on a very rare original example from our archives and currently on display in our showroom. Our research since we acquired this original 40-3785-P has unearthed only two other known surviving jackets. This contract represents an interesting transition between the complex 1938 Aero A-2 and the much more common 1942 jacket. Gone is the complicated zip arrangement and extra top stitching unique to the 1938 Aero, but the jacket still retains its high collar stand and offset collar. Our jacket replicates every detail including a perfect replica of the original zipper, a Japanese made period style Talon alloy zipper on herringbone cotton tape, which is fitted as standard. The 40-3785-P has lost a little of the body taper associated with the 1938 jacket, but still has the slim shoulder and sleeve. This makes the 40-3785-P neater fitting than the 1942 contract though not as neat as the 1938.

 

With such a rare jacket there’s no way we can lay our hands on a dozen or so to conduct proper research into the contract. In fact we can’t even be sure whether it was ever made in seal brown, but we think we can be allowed a little artistic license here and offer the jacket in both russet and seal. We can’t be sure but the jacket belonging to Major General Claire L Chennault appears to be a 1940 Aero, at least from the photos that we’ve been able to find. Our recreation of this unique Type A-2 can be compared for authenticity to the original in our showroom.