Incredible Patched 1950's/60's US Navy/ USMC WEPS Flight Jacket.
Incredible Patched 1950's/60's US Navy/ USMC WEPS Flight Jacket.
This one very nearly stayed here in the Archive….A very, very rare jacket, and one of our favorite designed flight jackets ever. BU-WEPS (Short for US Navy Bureau of Weapons) Flight jacket was used during the 1950’s-1960’s by both USN and USMC pilots, and although it was extremely popular, they were subsequently worn to shreds and have become very difficult to track down in wearable condition.
This example is exceptional for a number of reasons. It has the brighter olive exterior (indicating it is a rare early pattern) with gorgeous dark olive cotton/ nylon lining. And the star of the show, the two amazing US Navy Patrol patches (Both coastal patrol/ Anti-Submarine destroyer squadrons)
The jacket went through a few different design changes, this one being and earlier pattern produced in the 50’s or early 60’s. These jackets can be seen in use all throughout Operation Deep Freeze in the Antarctica, as well as throughout the Vietnam War. A pretty incredibly design. Knits and original zipper/ tag in great shape!
Approx size Medium-Large
pit to pit 23”
shoulder to shoulder 21”
shoulder to cuff 27”
shoulder to bottom 23”