http://www.ebay.com/itm/271516989424
This vintage, Korean War issue G-1 USN leather flight jacket was made in Boston in the 1950s by the A Pritzker company. It is made of goatskin, with a belted back, bi-swing shoulders, underarm gussets and a mouton collar. The zipper is a Conmar, though the slider has been replaced with a newer Talon. There are stitch marks from the original owner’s nametag and a large patch on the chest. The original owner also added a map of Japan lining panel, having the original Pritzker tag re-sewn on the new panel.
Pit to pit: 22-1/2″ (doubled = 45″)
Shoulder to shoulder: 19″
Sleeve: 25″
Length: 25″
Tag Archives: Pritzker
1930s Pritzker Air-O-Coat leather cossack jacket
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281350510684
This vintage leather jacket was made c.1936-1937 by A. Pritzker & Sons, Inc. of Boston, MA. The jacket is a Cossack style, with a fancy belted back. The 3/4 zip with 1/4 button detailing, borrowed from “Gaucho” style shirts of the period, enjoyed a brief stint of popularity in 1936-1937 before falling out of favor. Pritzker & Sons was owned by Aaron Pritzker and had a factory at 1020 Washington Street, Boston, MA. They are probably now best known for their USN G-1 flight jackets, although prior to WWII, they were a prolific maker of civilian styles. This one was sold as the “Air-O-Coat”, conjuring up the romantic imagery of 1930s aviators.
The jacket has an early Talon Hookless style grommet zipper.. The jacket is lightweight and partially lined, as is typical of these early windbreaker styles. The shoulder yoke is lined, as are the cuffs. It has a half-belt back with one of the fanciest pleated back styles I’ve seen. Pockets are D-style due to the unlined construction.
The jacket was bought by Bucky Wadon around 1937. Wadon played football, hockey and baseball during the 1930s and served in WWII.
With a 42″ chest measurement, this would best fit someone who wears a size 36 or 38 jacket. The sleeves are uncommonly long for most jackets I’ve found from this era, perfect for the taller guy. The leather is still soft and supple and the jacket is still very wearable.
Chest (pit to pit): 21″ (doubled = 42″)
Shoulder to shoulder: 18″
Sleeve (shoulder to cuff): 25-1/2″
Length (base of collar to hem): 20″