The Army Air Force ordered its last A-2 in 1943 and issued them to flyers until the end of the war. A-2s made during World War II were different than pre-war jackets in two important ways: the color varied from russet to mahogany brown and the specification was changed to remove the collar stand. The collar stand was a 1/2-inch wide leather strip between the collar and body of the jacket. Without it the A-2 was easier to make and looked more “contemporary.”

The Gibson & Barnes Mark 43 A-2 has all the features found in the original World War II A-2s. It is made from 3-ounce horsehide, the lining is tightly woven, plain-weave cotton, and the collar is attached directly to the body of the jacket without a collar stand.

This A-2 has the same one-piece back as jackets made during World War II and the same box-stitched shoulder straps, 1 3/8-inch wide storm flap, and gracefully curved pocket flaps. The lining even has an Army Air Force contract label, USAAF insignia, and an Air Force inspection stamp.

Gibson & Barnes crafts its Mark 43 Type A-2 from large, grade-A horsehides that are drum-dyed and lightly pigmented. Its cuffs and waistband are worsted wool and the lining russet brown pure cotton. The pocket and collar snaps have a black oxide finish; the hook & eye at the neck is nickel, and the zipper has a bell-shaped pull.

This A-2 looks, wears, and feels just like an original jacket made during the war.

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