US Air Force 1950s Blue Ike Jacket Battle Dress - 42L - 1951

At a glance - 

• 100% Wool Body Material
• Sateen Lining
• Zipper & Popper Stud Front Closure
• 2 Chest Pockets & 2 Internal Slit Pockets, Totalling 4 Pockets
• Side Waist Adjusters
• Button Cuffs
• Korean War & World War 2 
• WW2 United States Army Air Force in Europe Sleeve Patch
• Senior Airman Patches
• US Collar Lapel Patches
• Faux Shoulder Epaulettes
• Solid Air Force Blue Colour
• Size 42L
• "Jacket, Wool, BLUE-84 (U.S.A.F.)"

• Chest Size: 44" / Large Slim - Label states 42
• Sleeve Length: 25" / Regular - Label states L for long, but most UK jackets measure 24.5 - 25" as regular, not long
• Collar to Hem: 24"

• Vintage WW2 & Korean War Militaria / Dated March 15th, 1951
• Genuine US Armed Forces / US Army Air Force / USAAF / United States Army Surplus

Grades - 

• Grade 2 - Good condition for an item over 70 years old. There are signs of prior field use, like marking on the inner collar and back. There are several small holes, mostly from mothing, but there is also a tear on the left sleeve. Zipper works well. Certainly redeemable but does need some care. 

Any questions please feel free to ask!

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Beautiful surplus used by the US Air Force post-war, which itself was a surplus piece beforehand. After WW2 the US Army's Air Force found itself with a glut of standard issue ike jackets. The now well established US Air Force took a load of them and dyed the jackets to be a beautiful blue and refitted the jacket's closure with a zipper and popper stud system instead of the original button system. The jacket is made from all wool and comes with a sateen lining, so certainly a durable, quality item worth reusing. 

This particular jacket belonged to a senior airman from the United States Army Air Force and later US Air Force, who saw activity the Second World War given the rank and USAAF In Europe sleeve patch and during the Korean War given the jacket's later production date and year of issue. It is worth noting how ornately beautiful the lapel patches and sleeve patch are, made of a fine metal thread, intricately sewn into place.

For features you'll find 2 button chest pockets and 2 internal slit pockets, faux shoulder epaulettes. The sleeve cuffs and waistband are button adjustable, to provide a more tailored fit. As aforementioned the closure is a zipper system along with  popper buttons / studs. 

It is safe to say that this jacket has a remarkable history to it even before it began its own incredible journey. A wonderful piece of militaria full of history and well worth cherishing. 

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