The second iteration of the B-15 would arrive a little too late to see much action during WW2, but it would certainly see extensive use in the chilly air of the North Korean peninsula. Many of the images of B-29 crews from the 1950-51 period would have them all wearing the iconic B-15A.
Whilst the vintage crowd give all the glory to the later nylon versions, it's the B-15A that really stands out to me. The only major difference from the earlier B-15 is the unique triangular oxygen mask clips on the chest, which would be placed on the B model by the rectangular clip to the side of the zipper. The asymmetric design is timeless, and the fur collar looks amazing.
Condition
This is in amazing condition. The only areas of wear is around the pocket, with some very light fraying. The shell is in great condition, with a strong green colour, and bar a couple of paint marks on the chest, she's very clean. The mouton fur is in great shape, with some tiny patches of wear to the front, but otherwise is soft and full. The conmar zip is perfect and retains the leather pull tab. The waistband has a few tiny moth nips, and the cuff knits have certainly been changed at some point, but are an exact colour match so must have been at the time. The alpaca lining is perfect. The Hap Arnold logo on the shoulder is present, but faded.
Size
- Tagged a size 38
- Fits modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 22.5"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 24.5"