M-422A Gordon & Ferguson Co.

The United States Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAero) first introduced the M-422 flight jacket in 1938, marking a defining moment in the evolution of military aviation attire. These jackets hold the distinction of being among the first American uniform garments worn in active combat, famously accompanying the legendary Flying Tigers—the American Volunteer Group—during their operations over China beginning in April 1941.

From inception, the M-422 was governed by uncompromising specifications: supple seal brown goatskin, a richly toned reddish-brown mouton collar, and rib-rack cuffs paired with a single-layer waistband. Every one of these defining elements has been recreated with absolute fidelity, including the discreet yet iconic “USN” stencil applied beneath the collar—an enduring mark of naval heritage.

Among the various evolutions of this design, the Gordon & Ferguson M-422A stands as perhaps the most revered. Its unmistakable character lies in its refined proportions and signature details: an elegantly widened pencil-slot pocket, a striking salmon-red lining, a sharply contoured collar, and a distinctly trim, tailored silhouette. Our interpretation is not merely inspired by the original—it is a meticulous, one-to-one reproduction.

In keeping with the exact garment used as our reference, we construct the back panel layered over the front panels. However, acknowledging historical variations, we offer the alternative configuration upon request, as both methods were authentically employed in period examples.

The leather itself is nothing short of exceptional. We utilize chrome-tanned, drum-dyed goatskin in a light seal brown tone, produced to the precise military specifications of the era. Through extensive research and development, we have achieved an extraordinary level of accuracy in replicating the original hides—matching not only color, but grain structure, weight, and tactile character with remarkable precision.

This refined edition incorporates further enhancements: a heavyweight mil-spec rayon lining, faithfully reproduced in both tone and density to match World War II standards, and a mouton collar rendered in the exact historically correct shade of brown. Every component has been carefully considered and executed to honor the original at the highest possible level.

The result is a garment of rare authenticity and distinction—arguably the most faithful reproduction of the WWII M-422A available today.

Jacket presented with medium brown mouton fur.