I think i found a navy flight jacket
 

I think I found a Navy flight jacket to be displayed moms Eric Sloan watercolor in pencil of Grummans navy flyer whose reputation during the battle of Midway was legendary. It took me 20 years to examine the colar. I'm sure one of our friend will bring back memories.

Eric,
What you have is a fairly early M-422, which predates the later G-1 Navy jacket. Yours is of WW2 vintage. Although in approximately the correct color, yours has been relined, with possibly replaced cuffs, waistband and zipper. These repairs don't affect its value too much, since what collectors are after is the leather and insignia.
Is the zipper a Talon? Can you tell us who the jacket is named to on the nameplate?

It is in nice, wearable overall condition for a jacket this age.

During Law School at Villanova I bought the entire collection over 20 pieces. This was the only leather. I got the urge to check it because of my Eric Sloan Grumman f4f and watching the Battle of Midway my hearts go out then.I take a picture of the grouping.I can always depend on You! It does have a nameplate which is had to see. Ill take it out side for more light. The bplot thickens! I have to clear up for me to take outside Eric

JOHN BRYANS........the name on the tag...
 

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USMC ----- second line
 

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WOW YOU GUYS ARE SO COOL! I'm a History Major. Maybe we can track him or his family down and return their jacket!!!

My first impression was JOHN BRYARS

I think there is a R at the end, so USMCR.

It would be great if it belonged to one of own family or kin!!!!!

WW2 Flight Jackets
 

For a number of years I have had a table at our twice a year Military Show......due to 2 heart attacks and heart surgery have now opted out this year.....anyway......last year at our Spring show.....had an elderly gentleman come by with a WW2 Flight jacket....with hand painted aircraft on the back...still had the pilots wings on front...along with all the patches......said he wanted to sell it...during our conversation..he said it was his during WW2 as he was a pilot on a B-24......so it upset me that he would sell it...and I asked if he didnt have a son that would want it...or a grand son or daughter or grand daughter..??....he said not a single person in his family wanted anything to do with that "old war stuff"....one of our members collects the pilots jackets and I knew he would treat him right on the price...so i pointed him out.....approximately half an hour later he came by....thanked me.......and left the show.........sad....but thats the way it goes now.......... Hans Fischer

Its amazing how ww2 artifacts are coming to surface. Its probobly because like your grandchildren have little interest in the "old" stuff!. We owe it to Ed and his Bring Back books provide a timely reference. This applys to lugers even more!! Buy it or Regret it! I bought these years ago. I don't know just how old they are. I appreciate any input!!

The Nameplate on this jacket has either been cut down or may be non regulation. It may also have belonged to someone who did not have flight status.

The Navy lightweight "Flying Jackets" were actually originally issued as "Deck Jackets" and were adopted by pilots for the warmth and prestige. Pilots would of course have Navy wings on the nameplate, (USMC pilots used the same flight wings as Navy Pilots, with "USMC" under the name to designate the seperate branch of service). This jacket may have been issued to a deck or flight line officer who would need a warm jacket but who was not flight certified.

I think your right. Someone probobly got it for his girlfriend!