Every year we get hundreds of requests to produce more 'original maker' jackets, especially A-2s. So by popular demand, here is the 6th original maker A-2 to come off our production line.

As always, we endeavour to bring you a recreation of unparalleled authenticity, and if possible something with that little bit extra speciality to win your admiration. In this product we believe we have achieved that.

It has been by far the most challenging original maker A-2 we have produced, due to the many unique details. But, at what first may have seemed impossible, is now a reality!

Recreating an accurate reproduction of such an early contract A-2 is no easy task. This model has been 3 years in Research and Development.

Firstly, original examples must be acquired in order to make a thorough examination of the construction and detailing. Since any A-2 from this contract is nearly 75 years old now, and considering they were made only in hundreds (as opposed to thousands, like the later wartime contracts), being able to obtain original examples that have all their original components is next to impossible.

Nevertheless, perseverance has prevailed, and we are proud to offer a reproduction of one of the earliest A-2 contracts ever produced.

Werber Sportswear.
During the first three or four years following it's standardization in 1931, the A-2 was produced by only very few manufacturers - two or three at most in fact. The Werber Leather Coat Co (more commonly known by it's later title of Werber Sportswear) was one of these. This particular contract is almost certainly their first, that being in the year of 1933.

They operated out of New York, in the district of Beacon. But during the mid 30's the factory burned down, apparently due to dubious circumstances. However, they soon relocated, this time to 120 Water Street, Newburgh, NY, where they resumed business, and continued to acquire government contracts until the end of the war; They are known for producing many of the other USAAF flight jacket types, as well as accessories such as caps and flying helmets.

It is therefore interesting to note that only the first two contracts they had for A-2's (that being the 1729 and 1112), ever bore the district location name of Beacon, on the garment label.

HooklessŪ Zip.
One of the glowing features we have managed to reproduce for this garment is the early production HooklessŪ zip. Although a Talon branded zip was the most prevalently used maker in these early contract jackets, we felt it would be that little bit more special to go the extra mile and bring you a true icon of the past.

HooklessŪ was the former brand name of Talon. From 1913 to the early 30's, HooklessŪ zips were produced and supplied to many of the companies producing military contract clothing. Not least of course to the A-2 manufacturers, such as Werber. Although the name on the puller changed from Hookless to Talon, after the company decided to change it's name, the zip design was exactly the same.

Since then HooklessŪ has become extinct. But we are producing the HooklessŪ zip again, and to an incredible level of authenticity. From the gauge of the teeth, to the unique box-less, open-end linking design, this is an exact facsimile of the original. Ironically, this early design zipper is stronger and more robust than any of the zips that followed, up to the 1950s.

HooklessŪ is a registered trademark of Eastman Leather Clothing

'War Horse' Horsehide.
Another characteristic that many of you have been asking for, is a Horsehide with a more rugged broken grain. We have been working on this for a good while now, and are pleased to offer you for the first time in this new A-2 our latest Horsehide, we call - War Horse!

We can't tell you enough how pleased we are with this leather. This beautiful hide has been specially developed to exude the grainy character that so many vintage leather enthusiasts are looking for. This is a full, 3oz, veg-tanned Horsehide, with loads of character just waiting to break out, as soon as you wear it. If you're an A-2 lover, who likes the type of jacket with a bit of broken grain character, then you're going to fall in love with this!

To help you appreciate the level of authenticity we have achieved in this product, please CLICK HERE to view a larger image of the jacket, and comparison picture gallery illustrating close-up details shots of our reproduction next to the original.

Additionally, please take note of these authentic details: