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 actually quite a rare contract, made in 1969 by Sportsmaster Inc. This may only interest the most nerdy of collectors, but it has a rare pattern variation where the stitching on the windflap is done in four vertical lines rather than the typical single diagonal line. There are only two contracts I know of with this. It's patched to a SAC captain, and when I found it, it was missing the name plate (it only had the velcro), so I've added one that perfectly matches the rank and early 70s time period.
Condition
Used but very good. There is some wear to both cuffs and a little to the collar/waist. Otherwise very clean, original zippers work well.
Size
- Tagged a size small
- Fits and modern medium
- Pit to pit 23"
- Shoulder to shoulder 17"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 23"