Type A-2 Mark 41

As the Army Air Corps prepared for war in 1941, it ordered new fighters and bombers and trained thousands of young men to fly them. Every pilot, navigator, and gunner needed flight clothing, and they wanted their A-2 jackets. The A-2 was the aviator’s badge of honor and they proudly wore their jackets in the air, on and off base, and especially home on leave.

Gibson & Barnes’ Mark 41 A-2 is typical of A-2 jackets made just before World War II. Like the early A-2s, the Mark 41 has a collar stand between the jacket collar and body. The collar stand is a 1/2-inch wide strip of leather, separately lined and top stitched. While the stand is difficult to make, it gives the collar an elegant, military shape and roll.

This jacket also includes the best features, materials, and colors of the pre-war jackets. The Mark 41 A-2 has a one-piece back, box-stitched shoulder straps, collar stand, 1 3/8-inch wide storm flap, and gracefully curved pocket flaps. It even includes an A-2 label with an actual contract number and lining marked with the Army Air Corps insignia and an authentic “AN” inspection stamp.

Gibson & Barnes makes the Type A-2 Mark 41 jacket from drum-dyed horsehide with the same look, weight and feel as pre-war A-2s. The lining is cut from tightly woven pure cotton, dyed the original light brown. The knit cuffs and waistband are made from snug, comfortable worsted wool. The front closure is a size 5 nickel zipper with bell pull. The pocket and collar are secured with size 4 black oxide nipple snaps and the collar closes with a nickel hook & eye.

The Air Corps specified russet brown leather for the A-2, but contractors delivered jackets in varying shades. Gibson & Barnes makes its horsehide A-2s in two of the most beautiful colors, russet brown and mahogany.

Material: Horsehide

Color: Russet, Mahogany