Please<a href='http://www.eastmanleather.com/A-1jacket.htm'> CLICK HERE</a> to view larger image, and gallery of close-up images. Of all the American flight jackets, this model is one of the hardest to reproduce correctly because original examples are virtually impossible to find; ideally having an original example to hand is necessary. We have been extremely fortunate to secure an original A-1; which retains all its original components, so our example is extremely accurate. For the first time since 1931, an A-1 made from all the correct materials - including Capeskin for the shell, is now available. Origin of the A-1: The A-1 was standardised on November 27th 1927 as a Summer flying jacket. It was the very first of the knitted waist and cuff, windcheater type flight jackets, that was to set the basic outline for flight jacket design to this day. Synonymous with early aviation heroes such as Jimmy Doolittle, the A-1 although superseded by the A-2 in 1931, was still in limited use during WWII, and was not declared obsolete until September 29th 1944. It was originally specified to be made from an Olive Drab Capeskin, but of the few existing examples that can be seen today, they are always found to be of the typical Seal Brown shade. Its frontal closure was buttoned (real horn), and these were backed (in the traditional good old tailors way, for extra strength) with smaller 'backing buttons' (again, real horn). The pocket flap buttons werre applied in the same way. It was lined with a brown, sateen weave cotton of a very fine density, and trimmed with 100% wool knit for collar, waistband and cuffs. The reproduction: Our A-1 replicates the original to the last detail. As with many of the early 1930 contract A-2s, the A-1 is particularly slim cut, with narrow sleeves and nippy through the shoulders. However, unlike the early A-2s, the A-1 being made from the much softer and finer Capeskin wears very easy and feels like you hardly have it on. It is clear to see why the AAC moved to a more durable leather for the A-2, as Capeskin is not really the best choice of hide for a utilitarian application. It is not surprising therefore that original examples are hard to find, and if one does the leather is usually the worst for wear. Capeskin is basically sheepskin, which is a particular type of breed derived from Africa. It's noted for its fine quality and smooth texture, making it perfect for 'hair off' leather garments, particularly gloves, in the commercial world. As a reproduction flight jacket wearer of today, do not be put off by this. It is perfectly acceptable for the kind of normal day to day wear the average person would expect from a good leather jacket. Indeed, this jacket is an absolute pleasure to wear; the butter soft leather is light and fine, giving the feeling you are wearing nothing more than a cardigan. It is the perfect Summer weight flight jacket that can be worn from outdoors to indoors without feeling you need to take it off. Yet, still offering just the right amount of protection if the wind blows cool. It is in our opinion the perfect all rounder, and an absolute dream to wear, and a garment that exudes absolute quality. Our Capeskin has been sourced and selected from the highest grade we could find. It's finished in an aniline Seal Brown dye, matched exactly to the original. This combination of quality and dye method produces a leather that is just delicious to touch and eye. We also spared no expense with the rest of it's construction:<li> Specially made to order, 100% cotton sateen for the lining that has been dye matched exactly to the original.<li>Custom made real horn buttons for front in absolutely the correct tortoise shell amber shade, and shape.<li>Custom made real horn backing buttons, again in absolutely the correct shade, and dimension.<li>We have had the labels redone exactly as the original with correct typeface even for the size label. When you examine the photo gallery (which you can link to at the top of this page), you will be able to see all of these details in close-up, side by side comparison. Note: Your first impression may be that the colour of our A-1 is markedly darker than the original we show for comparison. However, this is only because the original has become very faded and scuffed over time. We have taken colour matches from areas on the jacket where the original colour is still perfectly preserved. In fact if you look closely at the shots illustrating the pocket, you will see some of the true colour where the flap is lifted up. The original would have looked the same as ours when it was new. Sizing: As previously mentioned this style is quite trim cut, like the original. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to order a bigger size than normal, just that you should be aware that this jacket will seem to fit a little closer than most others - that's the way it's supposed to be. Additionally, due to the fact that Capeskins are hard to obtain in large hides, it may sometimes be difficult for us to supply jackets in the bigger sizes 44 - 48.This is the definitive A-1. Another true classic from aviation history. Available in sizes 36

USAAC Type A-1. Seal Brown Capeskin

Please CLICK HERE to view larger image, and gallery of close-up images.

Of all the American flight jackets, this model is one of the hardest to reproduce correctly because original examples are virtually impossible to find; ideally having an original example to hand is necessary.

We have been extremely fortunate to secure an original A-1; which retains all its original components, so our example is extremely accurate. For the first time since 1931, an A-1 made from all the correct materials - including Capeskin for the shell, is now available.

Origin of the A-1: The A-1 was standardised on November 27th 1927 as a Summer flying jacket. It was the very first of the knitted waist and cuff, windcheater type flight jackets, that was to set the basic outline for flight jacket design to this day.

Synonymous with early aviation heroes such as Jimmy Doolittle, the A-1 although superseded by the A-2 in 1931, was still in limited use during WWII, and was not declared obsolete until September 29th 1944.

It was originally specified to be made from an Olive Drab Capeskin, but of the few existing examples that can be seen today, they are always found to be of the typical Seal Brown shade. Its frontal closure was buttoned (real horn), and these were backed (in the traditional good old tailors way, for extra strength) with smaller 'backing buttons' (again, real horn). The pocket flap buttons werre applied in the same way. It was lined with a brown, sateen weave cotton of a very fine density, and trimmed with 100% wool knit for collar, waistband and cuffs.

The reproduction: Our A-1 replicates the original to the last detail. As with many of the early 1930 contract A-2s, the A-1 is particularly slim cut, with narrow sleeves and nippy through the shoulders. However, unlike the early A-2s, the A-1 being made from the much softer and finer Capeskin wears very easy and feels like you hardly have it on.

It is clear to see why the AAC moved to a more durable leather for the A-2, as Capeskin is not really the best choice of hide for a utilitarian application. It is not surprising therefore that original examples are hard to find, and if one does the leather is usually the worst for wear. Capeskin is basically sheepskin, which is a particular type of breed derived from Africa. It's noted for its fine quality and smooth texture, making it perfect for 'hair off' leather garments, particularly gloves, in the commercial world.

As a reproduction flight jacket wearer of today, do not be put off by this. It is perfectly acceptable for the kind of normal day to day wear the average person would expect from a good leather jacket. Indeed, this jacket is an absolute pleasure to wear; the butter soft leather is light and fine, giving the feeling you are wearing nothing more than a cardigan. It is the perfect Summer weight flight jacket that can be worn from outdoors to indoors without feeling you need to take it off. Yet, still offering just the right amount of protection if the wind blows cool. It is in our opinion the perfect all rounder, and an absolute dream to wear, and a garment that exudes absolute quality.

Our Capeskin has been sourced and selected from the highest grade we could find. It's finished in an aniline Seal Brown dye, matched exactly to the original. This combination of quality and dye method produces a leather that is just delicious to touch and eye.

We also spared no expense with the rest of it's construction:

Specially made to order, 100% cotton sateen for the lining that has been dye matched exactly to the original.

Custom made real horn buttons for front in absolutely the correct tortoise shell amber shade, and shape.

Custom made real horn backing buttons, again in absolutely the correct shade, and dimension.

We have had the labels redone exactly as the original with correct typeface even for the size label.

When you examine the photo gallery (which you can link to at the top of this page), you will be able to see all of these details in close-up, side by side comparison.

Note: Your first impression may be that the colour of our A-1 is markedly darker than the original we show for comparison. However, this is only because the original has become very faded and scuffed over time. We have taken colour matches from areas on the jacket where the original colour is still perfectly preserved. In fact if you look closely at the shots illustrating the pocket, you will see some of the true colour where the flap is lifted up. The original would have looked the same as ours when it was new.

Sizing: As previously mentioned this style is quite trim cut, like the original. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to order a bigger size than normal, just that you should be aware that this jacket will seem to fit a little closer than most others - that's the way it's supposed to be.

Additionally, due to the fact that Capeskins are hard to obtain in large hides, it may sometimes be difficult for us to supply jackets in the bigger sizes 44 - 48.

This is the definitive A-1. Another true classic from aviation history.

Available in sizes 36 - 48.