Everyone who visits this site knows how much I love flight jackets, and you really can't get a more definitive pattern than the L-2B. Much lighter and (in my humble opinion) more wearable that it's MA-1 elder brother, the L2-B really is the archetypal jacket if you're into flight wear. And this is really the definitive version, when this jacket really came of age in the skies of Southeast Asia. So the story goes (and I may be wrong), in the late 50s the Land MFG Company (of Flite Wear fame) invented the rescue orange lining for its flight jackets. The Air Force had learnt hard lessons in Korea with the colours of jackets for downed pilots, and whilst green was great for not getting shot at, it also made it hard for rescuers to spot you. Earlier L2-B patterns had a green/brown silk lining, but in the early sixties this was changed to the now famous rescue orange, which could be flipped and reversed when the rescue chopper approached. A military classic was born, and a design feature that would go on to become a punk, and eventually, streetwear icon.
Condition
This is in good solid condition. The shell of the jacket is in great shape, as are the original zips, both of which work fine. The knits have some issues, particularly on the cuffs and collars, but nothing too bad and it's perfectly wearable. There is a popper missing from one pocket. Both cuffs and poppers can be easily replaced with a quick trip to MASH. The patches are hand stitched Japanese made, and the sleeve for the leather name tag is cracked.
Size
- Tagged size small
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 23"
- Collar to hem 23"