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USN G-1 flying jacket, S42, c.1950s

Code: J26917

Bureau of Aeronautics, USN Flight Jacket, Intermediate, G-1.  By L.W. Foster Sportswear Co. Inc.  Size 42.  Physically measures approximately 44" (max).  This is from the 1951 N383-22356A contract, Specification MIL-J-7823(AER) & Amend. #2.  A rare transitional variant of the MIL-J-7823 pattern and first contract L.W. Foster jacket, it features rounded pocket flaps in place of the normal scalloped type and has U.S.N. painted marks behind the collar.  It probably dates from 1956/7 and is manufactured in seal brown goatskin with a dark green/grey rayon/nylon lining.  The leather is in very good strong flexible condition in most of the body and sleeves but does have thinning, some cracking and surface lifting in areas around the shoulders (see photographs).  Light wear and minor snags to the waistband but both knitted  cuffs remain very good.  It has a mid-brown coloured mouton fur collar with a buttoned closure strap.  There is some moulting around the edge but nothing that detracts.  Unfortunately the zip has been replaced and sewn in too close the leather making it more difficult to operate and this has caused some abrasion adjacent to the opening.   There are also a few holes in the lining but these would be relatively simple to repair.   With original Tafetta weave label (rather worn), size  label and inspection marks.  Not perfect but a great looking jacket and priced very competatively.  Stock code J26917.

Approximate external size : pit to pit 44", centre of pit to waist 16.5", centre of pit to cuff 19", shoulder to cuff 24", collar/neck seam to waist 25.5" 

NB The leather has a good sheen but is not a shiny as it appears in some of the images.