Poughkeepsie 28560

A masterclass in functional elegance, this A-2 Jacket by Poughkeepsie Leather Coat Company embodies the pinnacle of wartime American flight apparel. Produced under War Department contract W535 AC-28560, Specification 42-18248P, dated 18 May 1942, this jacket represents Poughkeepsie’s sole known A-2 contract, with a production run of 50,000 pieces issued at the height of U.S. wartime expansion.

While occasionally mistaken for Aero Leather Clothing Co. due to surface similarities, the Poughkeepsie A-2 is distinguished by its intelligent design and exceptional wearability. Roomy shoulders, generous armholes, and a balanced torso fit combine to deliver a jacket that is effortlessly comfortable while retaining the sharp, purposeful lines that define the A-2 silhouette.

Original jackets were crafted in rich russet horsehide or cowhide, lined in mustard-brown cotton, and stitched with olive-drab thread. Knitted cuffs and waistband in mid- to dark-brown, combined with large ring collar snaps and period-correct Talon zippers—including both brass and nickel variants—reflect the contract’s meticulous attention to functional detail. Each feature is faithfully reproduced in this edition with immaculate workmanship, preserving the authentic character and practicality of the original.

Little is documented about Poughkeepsie Leather Coat Company beyond its wartime contributions, making this jacket an exceptionally rare and historically significant piece. Its design epitomizes practical sophistication: understated, purpose-built, and enduringly elegant.

This jacket is a collector’s treasure—where historical authenticity, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless style converge into a garment that transcends mere utility to become a wearable piece of aviation heritage.