Type A-2 :: 352nd Fighter Group

In homage to one of the greatest fighter units of all time, we are proud to offer the 352nd Fighter Group ‘Bluenoser’ A-2.

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A-2352

Data sheet

LEATHER
Veg-tanned WarHorse® Horsehide
COLOUR
Havana
THREAD
Premium quality 3-ply 100% cotton in correct shade for this contract
LINING
Authentic shade and weave in 100% cotton
KNIT
Tube construction. 100% wool in correct weave and colour
PRESS STUDS
Correct model 'Ball Stud'
ZIP
Talon M42
LABEL
Monarch Mfg Co. contract 23378
STENCIL
352nd FTR GRP
Note: Jackets that are personalised with insignia, or that are Time Worn® (where Time Worn® is optional), are non-returnable
£1,449.99
Name Tag
Lining Stencils
( + £24.99)
( + £24.99)
( + £80.00)

Note: Jackets that are personalised with insignia, or that are Time Worn® (where Time Worn® is optional), are non-returnable

Description

In homage to one of the greatest fighter units of all time, we are proud to offer the 352nd Fighter Group ‘Bluenoser’ A-2.

After meeting with and interviewing several surviving members of the 352nd, we were able examine their original jackets which were famously modified with interior canvas pockets. Having discovered that one jacket in particular, worn by 2nd Lt Carleton 'Bud' Fuhrman, was made by the Monarch Mfg Co, we decided to emulate this by incorporating our reproduction of this model into this product.

The inside pockets were what as known as 'rigger-mods'; occasionally, certain flight clothing needed to be modified to better suit the airmen's' needs. The parachute hut was the place - the riggers used sewing machines to repair various parachute equipment - hence 'rigger-mod'.

As the air war over Europe escalated, Allied air missions were flying deeper into enemy territory. Because of this, pilots were becoming more at risk to capture should they be shot down. Accordingly, an increasing array of innovative escape and evade survival equipment was issued to them. With limited stowage facilities in their clothing, the pilots of the 352nd Ftr Grp had their A-2’s modified by the addition of these two large inside pockets.

Made to the highest degree of authenticity we have reproduced the 352nd Monarch A-2 using our premium grade WarHorse® horsehide

We have used the same quality OD parachute pack canvas, as was used on Bud’s jacket. As you will see from the detailed images, the pocket stitching goes right through both the lining and leather shell, just like the original.

To further identify the uniqueness of this model, every jacket is stenciled in the back of the lining, in correct wartime flight jacket stencil spec, with ‘352nd FTR GRP’.

Special thanks goes to 352nd veterans Robert ‘Punchy’ Powell, and Carlton ‘Bud’ Fuhrman (whose original Monarch A-2 we worked from), and Mark Hamel; 352nd Ftr Grp historian, for their invaluable help in making this product a reality.

Endorsed by the 352nd Fighter Group Association.

Available in sizes 36 - 48.

TimeWorn:

This garment is available with the option of having a ‘TimeWorn’ finish. For more information about TimeWorn please see the link just below here.

Please note:

Choosing the TimeWorn option renders the garment non-returnable. Please see our Terms and Conditions regarding returns if you require further information.