USAAF Type A-2: Aero Contract No. W535ac-16160

• Pattern taken from original 1940 jacket in our archives

• Stand collar

• Talon zipper

• ‘Aero’ square pocket corners

• Sculptured pocket flap

• Military grade cotton lining

• High grade knitted cuffs and waistband

• Pictured left in Brown Kelpie Horsehide

This jacket replicates the fourth of the seven contracts received by Aero Leather of Beacon NY recorded on 1-Nov-40 for 4,500 Type A-2 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, and, most importantly, the unique rust cotton lining, exclusive to this contract. The W535 AC-16160 retains most of the features of the 40-3785-P but is the first contract using the legendary “Square” pocket. Although both contracts lost a little of the body taper associated with the 1938 jacket, both 1940s jackets have the slim shoulder and sleeve. This makes the W535 AC-16160 neater fitting than the 1942 contract though not as neat as the 1938.