JACKET - Flying Type B-3 1937 S.F.A.D. Merino Fleece

The Scott Field Air Depot (S.F.A.D.) B-3 flight jacket is one of rarest variants that exist of this model garment.

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B-3SFAD

Data sheet

SHELL
Double-Face, Merino sheepskin
LEATHER TRIM
WarHorse® in Havana Brown
LABEL
De-bossed S.F.A.D. leather stamp
PRESS STUDS
Mil-spec large ring
HANGER
Wire chain with accurate double loop links
ZIP
Hookless® - An Eastman Leather Clothing trademarked brand
Note: Jackets that are personalised with insignia, or that are Time Worn® (where Time Worn® is optional), are non-returnable
£1,699.99
Jacket Size

Name Tag
( + £24.99)

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

Description

The Scott Field Air Depot (S.F.A.D.) B-3 flight jacket is one of rarest variants that exist of this model garment.

In 1937, the S.F.A.D. was one of the Air Depots that existed within the US (Air Depots were huge facilities of the U.S. Army Air Corps, where training, maintenance and storage of aircraft and materiel were undertaken prior to deployment to the various Air Bases. Strategically located throughout nation, they formed the back-bone of the U.S. air arm's continental defence mission).

As with all military clothing, flight jackets were usually made under government contract by commercial civilian companies. However, the S.F.A.D. B-3 is an exception to the rule, as it is technically not a contracted garment. The S.F.A.D. had at its disposal a reasonably large sewing facility which was generally used for repairing and servicing garments, parachute packs and the like. However, for a period during 1937 they actually produced 3 batches of B-3/A-3 flight suits (A-3s were the companion trousers that went with the B-3 jacket, and these items were always made in jacket/trouser 'suits'). The nomenclature, which didn't carry a contract number, was stamped into the leather strap behind the collar, as opposed to a woven contract label that would normally be sewn inside the neck area.

Although they conformed, more or less, to the basic B-3 spec., one of the most noticeable differences of this model is that they were made from a non-pigmented, double-face sheepskin, which had a distinctive off-white, suede finish. They were produced in very small quantities, and as such, original examples are highly sought after and valued.

We have been interested in producing this model for several years, but finding a supplier who could produce the sheepskin material exactly as it should be proved to be extremely difficult. Not only the colour and texture of fleece had to be matched, but also the very fine finish of the suede, which is achieved by a skilled, manual process, known as 'fine wheeling'. Perseverance has paid off, and we are proud to be able to offer another top-tier product as part of our 'original maker' range.

The super high-quality, supple Merino pelt has been perfectly dye-matched, as has the 'parchment-white' vintage shade of the outer suede. Trimmed with the stunning WarHorse® hide, our exact reproduction of this desirable model is not only completely authentic, but also distinctively stylish.

Please note: Availability of material for this product is limited, and as such there may be times when it is either unavailable, or subject to long delivery times. We appreciate your kind understanding if this is the case if/when you decide to order.

Available in sizes: 36 - 48.