The classic, the iconic, the original. So many words that can describe the MA-1. Whilst the MA-1 was an evolution of the B-15, it was really in this guise that the nylon flight jacket found it's fame. The MA-1 was really a natural successor to the B-15 series. As the planes became smaller and faster, helmets became commonplace, and fitting a helmet with the heavy fur collar became difficult. Many of the later B-15 models would have the fur removed and become the much sought after B-15 MOD, but in the mid fifties, the Air Force made the change permanent with the MA-1.
This particular example is a 1961 dated early C model (MIL-J_8279C), the first contract made with the now ubiquitous orange lining, made by Skyline Clothing. It's patched and named to a Colonel Harland E Teskey. He was a 26 year Air Force vet, who joined in 1954. Included in his service was a year in Vietnam flying Skyraiders in the Special Operations Wing. I've included a photo of him standing in the back row of the image, third from left.
The jacket itself comes from a period of service Alaskan Air Command (right shoulder) with the 21st Composite Wing (left sleeve patch) and the 21st Operations Support Squadron (chest patch).
Condition
Used but good condition. Some fray to one cuff and a couple of scuffs on the nylon in a few spots.
Size
- Tagged a size Large
- Fits a modern large/XL
- Pit to pit 25"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 25"