OK. This will appeal to those with a serious interest in WWII aviation. What we have here is not 'a leather jacket that looks a bit like a flying jacket'. This is a nut and bolt replica. Cut from the same patterns, stitched on the same machines, using the same colour and type of thread specifically correct for the contract it replicates.

A size 48, the jacket was hand made by Aero Leather Clothing in Scotland from vegetable tanned horsehide to the exact spec in colour etc of the original. It is a replica of a jacket worn by a member of the Burma Bridge Busters and has hand made leather patches for the squadron insignia etc on chest and shoulders, together with a hand made leather/painted 'blood chit' sewn on the back.

The company acquired the name and patterns of the Aero Leather Clothing Co, Beacon, NY. That is the name and contract that appears on the label.

Inside is a period correct US flag and another blood chit, both printed on silk and stitched inside to make pockets as was often done in the field because A2's had no inside pockets.

This jacket is also lined with the russet woven silk used in early jackets, before silk was replaced with cotton due to rationing - again, the silk fabric is an exact replica in colour, weave, texture etc. And is stamped with correct Army Air Corps issue stamps etc.

The zip..most of these replicas have replica zips with correct pulls on them etc. Well, this one does not. This one has a NOS period zip - yes, it's the real deal. The manufacturers managed to secure a small quantity and made them available as extra cost options.

I have had this jacket since around 2002 when I had it made. Sadly, age has banished my racing snake figure to memory and I see no likelihood of my regaining quite the svelte trimness of my 30's....! Thus I need to get a larger jacket.

This jacket would cost you around GBP £750 - plus shipping from Scotland and GST hassles at this end. That's NZ$1,650 at current exchange rates, ignoring the GST bit and shipping.

I'll let it go for NZ$1200 plus shipping if applicable. The jacket is in excellent condition with only a few minor rub marks here and there that are just part of the character of this sort of thing. No tears, stains or damage at all.

There are some specialist groups who would probably snap this up but Geekzone is family so you get first dibs.

I don't have any images uploaded anywhere but this image is of the same jacket owned by someone else - mine is more or less identical. I can send photos to anyone who is genuinely interested.