The A2 really is the descendant of the N1, and whilst the two styles are very similar, one of the main differences was the change from jungle cloth to cotton sateen. However in 1964, two years after its introduction, two contracts were made in jungle cloth, one in olive drab, and the other in the ww2 era tan. Rumours always swirl around why this was done, maybe using up old fabric stocks, or a test to see whether they wanted to revert to jungle cloth. I can't say which is true, but I can tell you they made the king of the A2 jackets, and they are rare as hen's teeth!
This beautiful example is of the OG green variety, but she's worn and faded to absolute perfection. Jungle cloth is one of the few fabrics, along with denim, that fades beautifully to white, and this jacket has the kind of fades usually reserved for denim. She's a combination of extreme rarity and beautiful patina.
Condition
This is a salty seadog, and whilst I've cleaned her up pretty well, expect loads of character. The jungle cloth itself is solid, though there are some areas of wear around the pockets and the collar. There are some older repairs done to the under arms and collar, plus I removed a rather confusing period repair to the cuffs, which strangely hadn't needed repairing in the first place. The cuffs have been replaced a period correct replacement. There is a very faint stencil on the reverse, and a tag that is both faded and worn through.
She's an absolutely beautiful piece, one of the best looking vintage coats I've had the pleasure of photographing.
Size
- The faded tag reads a 42-44
- Fits a modern large/XL
- Pit to pit 23.5"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 27"