I'm just reading the rather excellent Masters of the Air by Donald Miller, and if one things stands out more than anything, it's how unprepared the USAAF was for war in the skies over Europe in 1942-43. The early shearling and leather flight suits were bulky and utterly inadequate for the task, and so the Air Force in late 1942 set about redesigning their cold weather clothing. Introduced and standardised in July 1943, the B-11 parka was designed to be worn in combination with a B-10 and and A-10 trousers. Made of thick double faced alpaca and an outer shell of tightly woven cotton gaberdine, the jacket was designed to be wind and water resistant, and able to provide flyers with much needed warmth at altitude. This example was made by Ben Greenholtz. Keep your eyes out for photos of Chuck Yeager rocking his B-11 infront of his Mustang!
Condition
Very very usually, this is in mint condition, there is no damage at all. The fur is still thick and very pliable. The cuffs, usually trashed on these are perfect. The lining is still very rich and thick. The zipper works perfectly. She's in amazing shape.
Size
- Tagged a 38
- Fits a modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 23"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 30"