This contract's full designation is 'W535 AC-17756'. It was the first contract awarded to Rough Wear for B-3s, in 1941. It was also the only one to be made from the 'hand applied' dye method. All subsequent contracts they received for B-3s, were finished with a machine-sprayed dye method.

These hand-dyed jackets are very easy to detect from the sprayed versions: Firstly, the dye colour is a much lighter shade and reddish in hue (often referred to by the collecting fraternity as 'Redskins'). Secondly, it has a mottled, patchy appearance, due to uneven coverage. The dye was simply swashed onto the skins using a sheepskin hand pad, which was usually done quite hastily, leaving some areas lighter than others. Thirdly, the panel configuration is different to the later model that followed, the back is made of a 2-piece construction, with a seam running down the centre of the back, as opposed to the later 3-piece construction, with seams running both down and across. Also, the side gusset is a small triangle, as opposed to an entire panel running from the underarm to the hip.

Up until 1941, all companies making B-3s were using this hand dyed method. It wasn't until later that year that the quicker method of bulk spraying was implemented. Also, the skins at this time were veg tanned (an age old method that to this day still produces the highest quality leathers). However, it too, was a very lengthy process, with skins taking up to 10 weeks to complete their treatment. It wasn't until late '41 that the much quicker chrome tanning method (a few days in treatment) was implemented.

The urgency placed on manufacturers for more jackets, due to wartime demand, soon meant they were to use the quicker method of chrome tanned, spray dyed skins. The spray dyed versions are a much darker shade - very dark brown. This is what makes the 'Redskins' so distinguishable from the later models.

The 17756 B-3 is a real 8th AF veteran, typical of what was being worn during their first year in England!

For the first time, since 1941, the Rough Wear 17756 B-3 is in production again. We have managed to produce the beautiful veg tanned 'Redskin' sheepskin, that was once used all those years ago. It is even dyed the same way, by hand! The correct wool colour, texture and depth (3/4inch), have also been achieved. Of course, all other details have also been perfectly matched, including: