Whilst the B3 is the most famous of the WW2 US shearlings, the US Navy's contemporary M445 is arguably a much better jacket! This was the standard USN high altitude flight jacket for the Navy through the early part of the war until it was replaced by the updated M445A spec, finally becoming the basis for the AN-J-4 that would be adopted by both Navy and USAAF in late 43.
This particular example, manufactured around early 1942, is named to a USMCR (US Marine Corp Reserve) pilot which will give the new owner an opportunity to research, and seemingly little used during the war or after. It has all the classic details of an M445 including the large diamond shaped leather elbow patches, the full length talon zipper, and sheepskin windflap.
Condition.
I typically avoid US shearlings, but this one is actually in amazing shape. There is some superficial cracking to the outer waterproof layer, but the leather is absolutely solid. The original zip is present and correct, the knits are perfect, as is the original tag and size tag - all indicative of little use. I've given her a light coat of Pecards, and done a little restoration work to the back - particularly the area to the right of the tag stitching just to ensure the cracking doesn't get worse, but otherwise she's great. This is still an 80 year old shearling, so whilst it is currently wearable, I wouldn't be planning on taking this out everyday. It needs to be stored flat - NOT on a hanger - and in a temperate environment away from humidity and moths!
Size
- Tagged a size 38
- Fits a modern medium beautifully
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 23.5"
- Collar to hem 25"