Vintage Early 50s Korean War VMA312 Flying Checkerboard Pilot Flying Jacket G1

Brief H istory of VMA312. The famous flying Checkerboard squadron saw its first action in the skies over Okinawa during World War 2 as VMFA-312.

June 1953, the Checkerboards were replaced on USS Bairoko and sent ashore for training on new Gruman F9F-4 Panther Jets. Feb 1954, while stationed at MCAS Cherry Pt, Nth Carolina, the squadron designation reverted back to VMF-312. Here we have a named jacket from the famous flying Checkerboards Squadron VMA-312. Given the squadron designation timings and the named individual on the jacket being in the Marine Reserves, I would say this jacket possibly dates to end 1953 into 1954. I have not researched the provenance of the named individual but it's a great exercise for the next collector.

The pointed pocket flaps (later 50s jackets had straight cut pockets). And the mouton fur collar which has aged to a wonderful dark gold color are 1950's era specific. Early models had real mouton collars which tend to fade to an auburn or gold color from the sun and sea.

More recent models have a synthetic collar, which is much darker and is fade resistant, unlike the earlier models. The leather is in good shape as you can see in the photos. Minor scuffs and wear and a great aged look and feel as you would expect from a vintage jacket. The elasticated waistband and cuffs are still in good shape. The jacket comes with era correct zipper and has the early cotton twill canvas map pocket.

I wear a size 42 and this jacket fits OK. The item "Vintage Early 50s Korean War VMA312 Flying Checkerboard Pilot Flying Jacket G1" is in sale since Thursday, December 6, 2018. This item is in the category "Clothing, Shoes, Accessories\Men's Clothing\Coats & Jackets". The seller is "szeszycj01" and is located in Highbury, SA. This item can be shipped worldwide.