Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Members of the 8th Air Force bomb crews during WWII generally preferred B-3 Sheepskin jackets over A-2 leather jackets due to their extreme warmth. With a loss of 3 degrees fahrenheit for every thousand feet of altitude, the WWII bomber crews flying at 30,000 feet in the middle of winter needed a seriously warm coat. The B-3 Bomber Jacket came through. First issued on May 8, 1931, for open-cockpit altitude flying, the B-3 has shearling in the body, sleeves, and tall neck. The soft outer lamb skin is specially treated to make it even more resistant to water, gasoline, oil, and dirt.

This incredible example of a B-3 style WWII Sheepskin Jacket (not a government issue B-3) was private purchase and is offered in excellent condition. The jacket is complete with all buttons, straps, buckles, and a complete zipper chain but missing slider. Features double slant front pockets a high collar and the size is approximately a US 44 which was very large for WW2. This was some big guy.

The reverse of the jacket is period hand painted in color. The painting depicts the 8th AAF insignia with a blonde bombshell sitting in the center, 13 bombs in a V pattern underneath. The art is period authentic and is some of the most vibrant and artfully executed we’ve ever encountered.

The left shoulder bears a period authentic hand painted 3.5" circular patch of of the 8th AAF insignia hand stitched in place.

The right front breast area also has period authentic hand painted 5" circular patch of an unidentified Bombardment Group that depicts a flying bomb with wings, red lightning bolts and white stars, it is wonderful vibrantly colorful work.

This is one of the most compelling and unique bomber jackets we have ever offered, due the type (B-3 style), the size 44, the excellent condition and the wonderful vibrant art. If you only ever get one sheepskin bomber jacket for your collection, this should be the one!