BUZZ RICKSON'S "BR80593 " Type A-2 “CONTRACT No. W535 AC-23380 ROUGH WEAR CLOTHING CO.”

[BUZZ RICKSON'S "BR80593 " Type A-2 “CONTRACT No. W535 AC-23380 ROUGH WEAR CLOTHING CO.”]

Rough Wear was an A-2 contractor known for its highly productive manufacturing capabilities.
This particular model represents the fourth of five contracts the company fulfilled.
As the U.S. Army Air Forces mandated the inclusion of "Property Air Force" markings starting midway through 1942, this jacket features a distinctive "two-tier" label setup, where two separate labels are sewn one over the other.
It also boasts the bold, imposing silhouette characteristic of Rough Wear, including a large collar complete with a collar stand.
The leather used for this jacket is crafted from Italian hides, which are slowly tanned by soaking them in vats of bark-derived tannin, with the concentration levels adjusted gradually over time.
Following this meticulous tanning process, artisans hand-rub "Seal Brown" aniline dye into the leather.
Slight color irregularities serve as a hallmark of this manual craftsmanship—a finish highly prized by leather enthusiasts.
Unlike lacquer finishes, aniline-dyed leather possesses a translucent quality, allowing the material to develop a unique character and rich expression through wear and aging.
With the tanning agents and dye deeply infused into the leather, this jacket takes on an increasingly refined and distinctive look with every wear.

The "Type A-2" is a summer-weight flight jacket that was officially adopted by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1931.
With approximately 700,000 units produced by 1943, it is a masterpiece of leather flight jackets and—alongside the Navy's G-1—enjoys immense popularity among military wear enthusiasts.
Unlike its predecessor, the A-1, which used buttons, the A-2 adopted a zipper closure, dramatically enhancing its functionality.
It became the standard for subsequent flight jackets and is known as a garment beloved by countless pilots.
The large collar, featuring a collar stand, boasts the bold, imposing silhouette characteristic of the Rough Wear company.
Equipped with snap buttons and a neck hook, the collar allows for various styling options—such as adjusting how it is fastened or shaping the collar itself—to change the look around the neck.
The pockets on both sides are flap pockets secured with snap buttons.
As standing with hands in one's pockets was considered inappropriate for soldiers, the pockets were designed without a hand-warming function.
The cuffs and hem feature 100% wool ribbing for a snug fit.
The cuff ribbing is made using seamless circular knitting and employs a mix of low-gauge and high-gauge knits to improve fit and prevent wind from entering through gaps.
The front features a zipper closure with a protective storm flap.
The zipper utilizes a "Size 5" wartime-style Talon zipper—common in the 1940s—complete with a small leather pull tab.
In a display of faithful reproduction, the Army Air Corps insignia is placed on the back of the storm flap, a detail often hidden during everyday wear.
The lining features name details and stenciled markings.
A distinctive feature of this model is the two-tiered label stitching; this reflects the requirement, introduced mid-1942, to include the "Property of Air Force" designation.
The leather used is Italian bronco hide (wild horse leather). The leather is slowly tanned by soaking it in vats containing tannins extracted from tree bark, and "Seal Brown" aniline dye is then hand-applied; this process ensures that each piece possesses a unique character, allowing the artisan's craftsmanship to truly shine through.
Among horsehides, "Bronco Hide" is highly prized for the distinct natural characteristics of its grain—such as scratches and wrinkles—which vividly convey the unique appeal of a natural material.
Furthermore, the leather evolves as it is worn—developing its own unique creases and sheen—resulting in an A-2 jacket that is truly one-of-a-kind for every owner.
The back panel is crafted from a single, luxurious piece of leather, offering the distinct pleasure of experiencing the material's aging process in a truly direct and impactful way.

*NOTE*
This product will be shipped at the listed price.
We do not offer price changes or gift delivery.
Furthermore, this product uses materials that make the most of the natural texture of the leather.
As a result, you may see uneven color, differences in grain, scratches, stains, wrinkles, etc.
Please note that these are natural characteristics of leather.
Even if the product is in the above condition, it is still an authentic product and cannot be exchanged or returned.
Furthermore, leather products are very delicate, so if the sleeves or other areas become excessively creased from wear when trying them on, we will not be able to accept an exchange or return.
When trying on the item, if you bend the sleeves as shown in the photo, this will cause wrinkles from wear.
Please try on the item without bending the sleeves as much as possible.

ITEM DATE
・Model Number: BR80593 ・Material: Bronco hide ・Ribbing: 100% wool ・Lining: Broadcloth (100% cotton) ・Made in Japan
Silhouette [Thin←1 2 3 4 5 →]Thicker

*The male model is 173cm tall and weighs 64kg; he is wearing size 38 (M).
*The female model is 175cm tall and weighs 54kg; she is wearing size 38 (M).

Size/Chest/Shoulder/Length/Hem/Sleeve/
38(M)/52cm/43cm/62cm/40cm/65cm
40(L)/55cm/45cm/63cm/42cm/66cm
42(XL)/58cm/47cm/64cm/44cm/67cm
44(XXL)/60cm/49cm/65cm/46cm/68cm

*The hem width is measured at the edge of the ribbing, resulting in a smaller figure; however, the material stretches to fit your body when worn.
*The measurements above were taken with the item laid flat.
We lay it on the floor, remove any wrinkles, and measure the fabric flat.
The size numbers will vary by a few centimeters depending on the individual product, the measurement method, and the amount of force used.
The size chart is therefore only a guide and may differ from the actual numbers.
*The product photos are taken with a digital camera.
Please note that color may differ slightly from the actual product due to the LCD screen, etc.

*Click here for detailed size measurement methods.