It's such a pleasure to finally have found a great example of the B-10, I've actually been hunting for one for such a long time, and unfortunately they are almost always completely trashed. Whilst the A2 might have the glory as the flying jacket of choice, the photographic record really shows that the B-10 was the workhorse of the USAAF, especially from mid-1943 onwards. The USAAF very quickly found the leather and shearling jackets inadequate for the task faced in the cold European skies, and by October 1942, just a few months after the first bombing raid by the newly formed 8th Air Force, development on a new alpaca lined flying suit was underway.
The new pattern, based substantially on the shape of the A2 was standardised and introduced on July 22 1943. These proved immensely popular with aircrews, and many would be worn until the fell apart. Unfortunately the cotton twill outers just weren't as robust as the later nylon, and many remaining today are substantially damaged.
Condition
This is in used but in very good condition. The original Talon zipper is perfect, the fur collar has a little balding to the edges, but otherwise solid, and there are two tiny knicks in the shell (i've put a 5 cent coin next to them in the photos). A couple of moth nips to cuffs and waist, but again nothing too bad. The alpaca lining is in great shape. A few superficial marks to the outer, but may come out with a dry-clean. The tag is for Dann Clothing Co, contract W30-053 AC 971 which was awarded March 44 and completed June 44 with a quantity of 24,733 delivered.
Size
- Tagged a 42
- Fits a modern large
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 24"