A WW2 classic, the B-15 was standardised as a pattern on April 7 1944. Designed to replace the popular B-10, this jacket would make some significant improvements including double layered alpaca to improve warmth, slash pockets to make them easier to access in a harness, and a redesigned elbow to improve flexibility. They actually weren't around long before being updated into the B-15A in November 1944. And this is where this particular jacket lies, somewhere between the B-15 and B-15A. It carries a B-15A tag from Hudson Garment Co, but lacks the leather oxygen clips and hose tabs of the later model. And thats not the only difference, it doesn't have the pen pocked on the sleeve, or the collar tie! And this isn't the only one, I've come across a few of these in my research. They're definitely issued as I've seen them with period patches, and this one had a laundry number on the hanging loop! Another one of those quirky mysteries that is lost to time. A rare variation of the very cool jacket.
Condition
This is in amazing shape. The Conmar zipper works like a dream, fur is full and pliable, I've given this a full new set of knits, and she's now pretty much perfect. There is one of two spots where the fur has worn thin, and a tiny fray to the right hand pocket, but otherwise she's perfect.
Size
- Tagged a size 38
- Fits modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 24.5"