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US AIR FORCE TYPE A2 COOPER LEATHER FLIGHT JACKET -
Military aviation was first introduced during WWI. The need arose for pilots to wear special protective
clothing to save them from the elements caused by flying in an exposed cockpit. This was the birth of
the flight jacket and flight suits.
The item featured here is an example of the flight attire employed by the American armed forces.
The leather flight jacket was eliminated shortly after the Vietnam war. The reason given was the
cost. It was too expensive to provide pilots with the jackets. Pilots continued to request the
jackets and in 1991 they got their wish. A new version of the A2 flight jacket was revived.
Manufactured by Cooper, the A2 jacket had the same design as that used during WWII. Of leather
construction. Two front pockets. A large orange tag provides a distintive signature for the
jacket.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for US Military Flight jackets
Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point
out clearly defined areas that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my flight jacket worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the jacket is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the American military flight jackets in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality
military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The jacket has two tags. One is large and colorful while the second one is small with a white
background and black letters.
The large tag ids of orange color. It has a set of silver wings with a sign above that reads
COOPER. Just below the wings reads "Type A-2". The next set of information reads:
"Under exclusive manufacturing by the Cooper Defense contract division. US Air Force".
The small tag contains the following information:
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Type A-2
Size 38R
GAC 201-01-8101M
Cooper Sportswear Mfg. Co. Inc.
CSN #8716-01-8243400
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This US flight jacket may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other US military flight jackets, you can do so by going to our
The History of the American Flight Jacket
identification and price guide.
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