The jacket I ordered from you came today and it fits like a glove! Really a good piece - the comments of your customers on your homepage were true. Good chance to get myself another jacket for colder days possibly soon

I ordered my A-2 horsehide by telephone Sunday night and received the jacket on Thursday. Pretty impressive. The jacket is outstanding. The staff at U.S. Authentic is also very helpful.

Many of my friends in aviation (DOTD) have A-2 jackets and I have wanted one now for 3 years. I received one for Christmas from my wife. The first cold morning I wore it to C.C.'s, a local coffee house. There set a group of men, that I didn't even know, having coffee and they all turned and spoke to me,..."Hi...how ya doing?". I have to tell you a sense of pride came upon me. Every where I went that day ,people that I didn't even know, spoke. I felt like I was representing the men who fought for our country and the freedom that we have today in America. I would proudly stand and defend our great country as our forefathers did in WWI and WWII. I ware my A-2 with pride.

Just received the custom A-2 jacket in horsehide vintage brown you made for me. What a beauty! The best.

I received my Goatskin A-2 jacket yesterday, UPS made good time. The jacket is great. I really appreciate your patience and great customer service. Before ordering this jacket as I mentioned to you, I got very interested in the A-2 after visiting some of the websites. It has become somewhat of a hobby now, I have even purchased one of the books written on the A-2. As far as I can tell, this jacket holds very true with the original A-2's, of course I am no expert, but the color of the lining, collar stand and collar, epaulet widths, pockets positioned further toward the back, and the snaps appear to be true to the originals. I think my next purchase from you will be the horsehide A-2 next year probably. Thanks Again.

(second email couple of months later)

First of all, many thanks for the superb custom A2 russet horsehide jacket you made for my wife to give to me for my 40th Birthday on 12th March. It got here to the UK in time for my birthday, and I wore it for the first time to go out to lunch with my wife. I'm absolutely delighted with it, the fit and finish is excellent, and the inside pockets are just right for my wallet and mobile phone. It's far superior in quality to any A2 jacket that I've seen over here in the UK, and although of course it's not cheap it seems very good value indeed to me, and certainly not more expensive than some of the less painstakingly authentic items that I've seen here.

I do have one question, though. Is it usual in the USA for the moving pull-up sliding part of the zipper to be on the right hand side of the jacket? Here in England it would always be on the left side, so I'm a little clumsy fastening it up at present, as over here we're used to holding the bottom of the jacket with the right hand and pulling up with the left. Just a question of getting used to it I suppose! The main thing, though, is that it looks great (I'm sure it will be better still with a bit of wear) and is just what I wanted. Thanks very much indeed.

Additional email from Caroline Pelham-Lane (a.k.a. Mrs. Lloyd).

Wow! It's beautiful! I'm talking about my A-2 from U.S. Authentic that I just received via 2-day UPS. Perfect fit. And I can't say enough about the quality of the horsehide leather. Its grain is superb and the weight is very substantial, yet not too stiff for comfort. The stitching is impeccable.

This is my second A-2. My first A-2 "bomber" jacket was a poor, "distressed leather" imitation, bought from a department store. This time, I researched carefully for several months all the so-called authentic manufacturers. I also studied the excellent web site: The Type A-2 Flight Jacket Web Page to become knowledgeable about the history and details of the A-2. After all that, here's how I see it. Point for point, detail for detail your A-2 is authentic as close as they come to the original.

I could have paid twice as much for an A-2 from your competition -- but why throw away money when U.S. Authentic quality and detail are accurate right down to the stitch per inch!? Made here in the USA is something I also like about U.S. Authentic. I mean, what's "authentic" about an A-2 made in New Zealand, Japan or Great Britain?

In this age of disposable consumer products, it's not often that I buy a something that completely meets my expectations for value. Your product does. In fact, it exceeded my expectations.

Thank you for a most pleasurable buying experience.

I received my horsehide A-2 and it is superbly handsome. The quality is of the highest... each seam, stitch is perfect. The leather looks like it came from the same hide... not a fault or blemish.

For authenticity I showed it to someone I thought would know, my father-in-law Bill Miller. Bill is a 50 mission B-24 tail gunner from WWII. He said it is exactly (except for seal brown color) like the A-2 jacket he wore and brought back. He then compared it to a picture of himself and his airplane crew (the "Miss Fire") all wearing their A-2's. There was no difference between my US Authentic jacket and the one's they wore. (I now may have inspired Bill to try to retrieve his A-2 and B-2 cap he gave to his younger brother (now deceased) after the war.)

The employees of US Authentic are to be congratulated on the excellent products they produce. I recommend this company to anyone seeking highest quality, authentic leather products... at a fair, reasonable price.

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to send in my comments. As soon as I ordered my A-2 jacket the weather turned warm for several weeks. Now that we have had some cooler days and I have had a chance to wear my jacket, I can give a much more accurate evaluation. My praise as to the jacket's authenticity won't mean much, as I am no expert in this area, however I will say that the jacket I received incorporates every design feature I have been told indicates an authentic reproduction. I can give a much better evaluation to customer service and quality. My job is in quality assurance for a major electric utility. In all of my correspondence with U.S. Authentic, getting me what I wanted was the company's only concern. I ordered an A-2 jacket and a leather squadron patch. Mr. Dover suggested that before they attached the patch to the jacket, I should probably try the jacket on to make sure the fit was right. If the jacket did not fit and it had a custom patch attached, it could not be returned. I am glad he made the suggestion. The jacket I received fit exactly the way I wanted. It was made of beautifully grained horsehide. The patch was of such high quality, I decided not to have it attached to the jacket and to incorporate it into the display of the B-17 model I am building. Everyone involved worked to make sure I got the products I wanted and I do not have a single complaint. I would recommend U.S. Authentic to anyone who is interested in the quality products and services they offer.

Thank you for a wonderful representation of American aviation history! I received a goatskin A-2 as a Christmas present from my wife (after I picked it out!) I couldn't be more pleased with its historical accuracy and overall quality. After a tremendous amount of research on original WWII contractor's jackets, I found U.S. Authentic to be exactly what I was looking for. From my research, I like the details of the Rough Wear original jackets and noticed the U.S. Authentic jackets bear these same details and overall look. The color is great. From the red/brown russet color of the lining to the perfect shade of deep, rich chocolate brown of the leather, it looks like it came from the Rough Wear factory in the mid 1940s. I was worried about the color being too dark or almost black like other jackets. For others with the same concerns, have no fear. From what I learned, the WWII seal brown was a slightly lighter shade of dark brown than modern jackets of the same color name because of the dying process used. This company really got it right! The medium brown goat skin looks (to me) exactly like the original 'seal brown' jackets. Definitely not the re-dyed almost black color. Further, the texture of the leather looks like the original goatskin jackets.

I'd also like to commend you on your excellent customer service. You took the time to answer all my knit-picking questions about color, fit/cut, sizing and original jacket contractors. It definitely finalized my decision to buy a U.S. Authentic jacket. In fact, my brother was so impressed with my A-2, he's ordering a G-1 from your company!

Keep up the good work and thanks for keeping the legacy alive for all us aviation junkies.

Thanks for a wonderful jacket. I had been in the market for a substantial, quality USA made leather jacket for several weeks. I liked the style of the flight jacket and viewed many in stores and on the internet before making a decision. The store brands always seemed to have one imperfection or another. They were not of quality construction and were often manufactured of substandard materials in countries most of us are not familiar with. I found flaws with every jacket I examined.

I then came across U.S. AUTHENTIC' S website while looking for a reputable maker of flight jackets on the internet. I read the descriptions and the many letters of praise from satisfied customers around the country. I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing a jacket site unseen, but was reassured by the full refund policy. I decided to take a chance and placed an order for a horsehide A-2 jacket. In just a few days it arrived, despite being shipped during the height of the Christmas rush season.

I was very pleasantly surprised upon receiving the jacket. Although I am not an expert on A-2 jackets, I was very impressed with the workmanship and the high quality leather used in construction. All the seams lined up perfectly and the leather was flawless. It is the best leather jacket I had seen in many years, and it seemed to exude a certain nostalgia of nobler time in America. To say that I am completely satisfied would be an understatement. Thanks again for a fine jacket.

I received my A2 today and it is a beauty, indeed. It fits well, is expertly crafted, and appears to be authentic in every detail. It is hard for me to imagine a jacket more expertly crafted than this one. Obviously, I am very pleased. You may recall that I had intended to purchase an A2 from Flight Suits but opted to buy one from you after reading the testimonials on your web site. Looking at and wearing this jacket validates all of the testimonials. I would not hesitate to recommend U.S. Authentic to anyone interested in an authentic A2. Please convey my appreciation to the individuals who worked on my jacket for their excellent craftsmanship. I look forward to doing business with you in the future.

Your jacket (A-2) IS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY.... I just want to make it look older!!!!!

Guess Rough Wear Clothing Co. Is a bit overpriced....

Just got the A-2 yesterday. Excellent as usual!! I think the A-2 fits me a little better in the 42 than the 40. I love the jacket already and am wearing it today. My other two G-1s that you made me got away to my two sons so I will probably be ordering another G-1 plain-no insignias in the next couple of weeks. 

I would like to thank U.S. Authentic for the great and fast service and for the quality of their products. Just recently I ordered a seal brown A2 and got it the next day. It's a fantastic jacket. Keep up the great work.

I am writing this letter to thank you for making a great product. My order  was put in  the mail on Sat and on Tues the jacket arrived! That is 1 day shipping. The  wrong size  was ordered by me so i called at 8am to return it. I was given a return # and  3 days  later the new jacket arrived! The customer service of your company is  fantastic and  the A-2 you produce is unbelievable, the weight of the jacket is just right, craftsmanship is perfect, color is perfect, price is $200 less than Eastman,  Lost Worlds. Mr. Dover you have a customer for life! BTW whoever crafted my jacket should receive a pay raise. Thank you.

Outstanding! My size 42R Horsehide Russet A2 (that I exchanged for a

44R) arrived today, and I couldn't be more pleased. The color and fit are perfect, the new leather smell is intoxicating, and the custom name tag you guys made for me is exactly what I wanted. I'm glad I went with the smaller size, as the fit is consistent with 1940's photos I've seen of Jimmy Doolittle, Jimmy Stewart, and others. (Okay, 1960's pictures of Bob Crane and Steve McQueen, too.)

I've spent the last half hour comparing features and details on my new jacket with photos in Jon Maguire's books (and Eastman's Golden Book!) and I've concluded that US Authentic does a great job duplicating the WWII A2 for a very reasonable price. In addition, your service is so prompt, courteous, and efficient, it makes my head spin!

You've got one very satisfied ex-Green Beret/ex-Army Doc up here in Maine! Thanks,

I just received an A-2 from you and the quality is outstanding. I also own an A-2 from Cooper and there is no comparison. I work in the automotive field and wear the cooper to work and save the US Auth for other use. I don't want to get her dirty.

Saving up for a G-1.

Thanks and keep up the good work !

Thank you for your assistance in resolving the small problem we had with my jacket. I just wanted to mention that your Authentic A-2 russet horsehide jacket has already become my favorite in the short time I have owned it.

I get numerous compliments on the quality and fit from "regular" folks as well as some very envious glances from Confederate Air Force members, I won't be leaving it setting in the hanger.

It is as authentic as any jacket can be, currently made.

Thanks again for your excellent service and product.

I hope everything is returning somewhat to a more normal environment in your part of the country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your friends and relatives.

Please contact me if you have any questions

Wow! The jacket arrived today and it is gorgeous. It fits like a champ too, and that inside pocket you rigged is better than I could ever do on my shoe machines. I've been sitting in my easy chair gently hand rolling the leather all over to get it limbered up and broken-in, and man, that Italian horse is some nice stuff. I like the way you used the flankier belly cuts for the sleeves, because it's so firm it would be hard to break in otherwise. I pulled out last year's A-2 for comparison, and this new leather is head and shoulders above the old batch--firmer and thicker.

Don't know what I'll do with my old one now. Any collectors' market for 2nd hand US Authentic jackets yet?

I'm very pleased, and will let you know how the new one wears in.

Cheers,

Flying Tigers A2 by Jonathan “Rabbi” Steinman

I wanted to let you and your team know how happy I am regarding the A2 goatskin AVG jacket I recently received. I bit of history first, I have been a “fan” of the AAF A2 jacket for many many years, and in the late 80’s I purchased an A2from the Cockpit (AVIREX). This was supposed to be an authentic reproduction of an A2. Well it is not even close, the details in this jacket do not compare with ANY original (I could list the many issues with this jacket but I will leave that for someone else).

I decided I wanted a “real” A2, and proceeded to search the web for info. I found many sites claiming to have the “Real Deal” After going to the Acme Depot and learning more about A2 jackets than I thought was necessary, I narrowed down my search to Eastman, U.S. Wings, Lost Worlds and U.S. Authentic.

I called all the companies to find more about their respective jackets. Every time I mentioned U.S. Authentic I got the same response “well the do make a VERY good reproduction” to “Their (U.S. Authentic) jacket is as close to ours as the original contractors A2.

After hearing this, I contacted your team. I was met with intelligence, and real knowledge about both the authenticity of your products and the correct sizing (I am 5 9’ 230 and wear a size 48 suit). I called back a day later after deciding on your firm. You personally took my call, walked me through the sizing and features of your products. When I mentioned that I might be hard to fit, you sent me a jacket to try the size (next day). I also wanted to add features to customize the A2 to AVG spec (red ACE lining, name tag with my name and call sign) and add some modern features for my own comfort (inside pocket, hand warmer pockets). This was on a Wednesday. I shipped the jacket back with the instructions and on Saturday morning UPS delivered the EXACT jacket I asked for.

Again you and your team, you have made a client for LIFE.

and Jonathan Steinman write to Marc D. Weinshenker

Dear Sir,

I wanted to let you know about my experience with U.S Authentic, and how happy I am regarding the A2 goatskin AVG jacket I recently received.I bit of history first, I have been a fan of the AAF A2 jacket for many many years. In the late 80s I purchased an A2 ("China Doll") from the Cockpit retail store (AVIREX). This was supposed to be an authentic reproduction of an A2. Well it is not even close, the details in this jacket do not compare with ANY original (I could list the many issues with this jacket but I will leave that for someone else). I decided I wanted a real A2, and proceeded to search the web for info. I found many sites claiming to have the Real Deal I found the "Acme Depot" website and learned more about A2 jackets than I thought was possible. I narrowed down my search to Eastman, U.S. Wings, Lost Worlds and U.S. Authentic. I called all the companies to find more about their respective jackets. Every time I mentioned U.S. Authentic I got the same response well the do make a VERY good reproduction to Their (U.S. Authentic) jacket is as close to ours as the original contractors A2. After hearing this I contacted U.S. Authentic. I was met with intelligence, and real knowledge about both the authenticity of their jackets and the correct sizing for myself (I am 5 9 230 and wear a size 48 suit). I called back a day later after deciding on them. Customer service rep took my >call (president and CEO), walked me through the sizing and features of the A2. When I mentioned that I might be hard to fit, He sent me a jacket to try the size (next day). I also wanted to add features to customize the A2 to AVG spec beyond what they offered on their web site (red ACE lining, name tag with my name and call sign) and add some modern features for my own comfort (inside pocket & hand warmer pockets). This was on a Wednesday. I shipped the jacket back with the instructions and on Saturday morning UPS delivered the EXACT jacket I asked for. The fit and features are what I have read about. it even has the "stand collar" of one the original contractors. I think from my research that this about (besides MY modifications) very accurate.

(second email received a year later)

I purchased one of your russet horsehide A-2 jackets a year ago after a long search (20+ years) for an authentic reproduction.

All I can say, is thank you, as a former Air Force pilot and current Army Apache pilot in the Guard, I get numerous compliments whenever I wear it from fellow aviators past and present.

Initially, I had a few minor problems which were handled immediately and I will never part with this jacket. The older it gets, the better I like it.

I only wish I had a son to pass it onto, as it should just be getting broken in when I check out.