Vintage Leather Jackets

“I have the need for speed”.  The iconic phrase from the same iconic moive “Top Gun”.  Who can forget the look and feel of Tom Cruise in his Leather Flying Jacket.  The movie started a whirlwind of people clamoring to find that same jacket so they could be as cool as Tom.

The G-1 jacket which was manufactured during WWII is noted for it’s fleece lined collar.  As the years went by, it was replaced by the G-2 or “non-fleece” lined jacket.  By all accounts, the WWII era jacket was of a higher quality and grade than its counterpart.

So if you are looking to purchase an authentic Leather Flying Jacket, below are the military specifications which are posted on the Museum Stuff website to help you determine year and make of your jacket before your purchase:

Specification 1
M-422, produced in 1940

Specification 2
M-422A, produced in 1940

Specification 3
AN 6552, produced in 1943

Specification 4
AN-J3A, produced in 1943

Specification 5
55J14 AER, produced in 1947

Specification 6
MIL-J-7823AER, produced in 1951

Specification 7
MIL-J-7823AAER, produced in 1961

Specification 8
MIL-J-7823BWEP, produced in 1960

Specification 9
MIL-J-7823C WEP, produced in 1962

Specification 10
MIL-J-7823DWP, produced in 1966

So if you have the need for speed, these are some interesting facts to help you if you are getting ready to shop around for that one of a kind symbol of bravery, The Leather Flying Jacket.