a2jacketpatches

Patchman from a2jacketpatches here.

We are reproducers of fine WW2 military insignia for high end Reproduction Leather Flight Jackets like the Army Air Corps Type A-2 and U.S. Navy G-1. Back in the day it wasn't a priority for the government to provide insignia leaving individual Airmen to seek out local artist to create the approved designs. Using the typical methods available in their location, these craftsment rendered patches for money and trade. Gi's would often barter using American cigarettes and food rations. For the purpose of boosting morale, the military overlooked the strict guidelines and allowed this folk art type of rendering to be used. In the China, Burma, India Theater, the common method of construction was colored, layered and stitch pieces of leather. In Italy, the image was cut or incised into the leather and the individual components were painted. Hand painted insignia on leather disks was very common throughout. Today, these very simple original patches are very rare and highly sought after by collectors.

Back around the year 1998 - 2005, I notice quite a few companies popping up and making the dead on accurate reproduction Flight Jackets, at the time you could spend upward of 700- These days it's not out of the question to drop 1600- and have a year and a half wait. However, with all the effort going into the correct type of leather, zippers, wool knits, and hardware, insignia to decorate these gems was few and far between. What was available lacked the proper look and materials. Modern machine embroidery simply does not capture the vintage feel and looks cheap on such carefully reproduced garments.

Over a period of 20 years, I have endlessly experimented with the various applications used during WW2 to create authentic reproductions of the insignia. Collecting the original items, a substantial library of collector books, and countless hours of study using the internet has helped developed my unique leather working business into an industry leader.

I tend to think outside of the box, so I hope to share and gain knowlege on this forum accomplishing future goals for myself and other members.