Warehouse & Co.

Lot 2232 WERBER LEATHER COAT CO. TYPE A-2 JACKET ORDER NO.33-1729 - 2232-25

Description

- This Type A-2 jacket is reproduced by "WAREHOUSE" from a vintage leather jacket made by "Werber Leather Coat Co." - The A-2 jacket was first adopted as a flight suit by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1931 as the uniform for aircraft crew members, and soon became a "status symbol" within the Air Corps. It gained immense popularity as a high-performance garment resistant to wind, rain, dirt, and light cold, and was also beloved as a casual jacket for off-duty wear. Knit cuffs and a waistband blocked wind intrusion, while closing the collar provided insulation. Additionally, being made from tanned horsehide leather, it avoided snagging on aircraft handles, control instruments, corners, and other sharp edges, unlike fabric garments. - The "Type A-2" was born from incorporating feedback on improvements to the A-1 jacket from pilots who actually wore it. Starting in 1931, the primary supplier, "Werber Leather Coat Co.", initially used hole-stitched buttons on the pocket flaps, identical to the A-1 jacket. Already trusted by the Quartermaster for holding multiple patents related to leather jackets, the company took advantage of its experience to improve the button on the pocket flaps to a snap button design. Amidst increased restrictions on production factories following the NRA's establishment of labor unions, we think Werber Leather Coat Co. succeeded in meeting the military's demands for cost reduction and functional upgrades. Thus, in 1933, the first delivery of the fully developed "Type A-2" was Order No. "33-1729". - Miraculously, WAREHOUSE acquired this first model jacket several years ago. Since then, material development began gradually and meticulously, finally coming to fruition after a long period of time. The most prominent visual feature is the riveted zipper end. This zipper, even older than the distinctive eyelets of the early 1930s, is truly emblematic of the earliest A-2s. - Main: Horsehide (Vegetable Tanning) - Lining: Selvedge Broad Cloth - Rib: 100% Wool - Fastener: Original Pinlock Fastener - Made in Japan - Model Wearing Size: 38(M) (Height 163cm / Weight 62kg)

Product details provided by: HINOYA