Poughkeepsie 28560

This jacket is based on the original U.S. Army Air Forces Type A-2 flight jacket manufactured by Poughkeepsie Leather Coat Company under War Department contract W535 ac-28560, specification 42-18248P, dated 18 May 1942. This was the company’s only known A-2 contract, with a total production quantity of 50,000 jackets, issued during the peak year of U.S. wartime expansion.

Although often confused with Aero Leather Clothing Co. due to certain superficial similarities, the Poughkeepsie A-2 pattern is actually quite different. The design is notably smart, practical, and exceptionally comfortable, featuring roomy shoulders and generous armholes that allow sufficient freedom of movement. The torso fit is balanced and comfortable rather than restrictive, making this one of the most easily wearable A-2 contracts among our available offerings.

Most original examples were constructed from russet horsehide or cowhide. They were lined with a mustard-brown cotton fabric and sewn using olive drab cotton thread, details we have faithfully reproduced. The knitted waistband and cuffs found on originals were either mid-brown or dark brown. Hardware included large ring collar snaps and Talon zippers, with original jackets observed fitted with both brass and nickel Talon fasteners.

Little is known about Poughkeepsie Leather Coat Company outside of its wartime military production, and original jackets are almost exclusively encountered within government contracts. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the Poughkeepsie A-2 stands out as a common-sense, no-frills flight jacket, emphasizing comfort, usability, and sound, purpose-built design.