ColesAircraft
Airman 1st Class
Late last week I traveled to Akron to pick up what was left from an estate sale. I'd already purchased most of it previously, the aviation collection of the late George Pfromm - Vietnam Cobra pilot, DFC winner, and former FAA Special Agent - from his surviving younger brother. As he found things in storage (George died from lung cancer in 2002), he'd call me. This trip was for "an old pilot jacket" and some pictures. Compared to the aircraft control sticks and other sexy things I'd already bought, I wasn't expecting much from this small haul.
When I arrived, he showed me the jacket, and I wrote it off as less than what I'd hoped for - it looked like a new reproduction piece with fake medals; a good Halloween costume. The pictures were nice: beautifully framed Stan Stokes autographed 'aces' prints. I offered $150 for everything and he accepted. Then later I took a second look at the jacket, and my knees started to feel weak.
While the leather appeared almost brand new, all of the zippers and snaps were correct for a wartime garment. The Burberry lining was also correct. I removed the badges and . . . the pilot's badge was hallmarked by BSW, one of the best wartime makers and based in Austria. The Iron Cross 1st Class was authentic, too. All the stitching for the breast eagle and Oberst boards matched. There was even a period safety pin with Wehrmacht buttons 'Jerry rigged' to the breast pocket zipper - presumably to open and close it while wearing gloves!
It's authentic - all of it! So, here are some pictures:
Authentic Luftwaffe WWII Oberst Fighter Pilot's Leather Jacket, Iron Cross 1st Class by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
IMG_2102 by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
IMG_2103 by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
IMG_2176 by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
Needless to say, I'm amazed. I just wish, as a professional dealer, that I could justify keeping it for myself!
It actually fits me perfectly!
Authentic Luftwaffe WWII Pilot's Leather Jacket by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
Ron Cole
Cole's Aircraft
When I arrived, he showed me the jacket, and I wrote it off as less than what I'd hoped for - it looked like a new reproduction piece with fake medals; a good Halloween costume. The pictures were nice: beautifully framed Stan Stokes autographed 'aces' prints. I offered $150 for everything and he accepted. Then later I took a second look at the jacket, and my knees started to feel weak.
While the leather appeared almost brand new, all of the zippers and snaps were correct for a wartime garment. The Burberry lining was also correct. I removed the badges and . . . the pilot's badge was hallmarked by BSW, one of the best wartime makers and based in Austria. The Iron Cross 1st Class was authentic, too. All the stitching for the breast eagle and Oberst boards matched. There was even a period safety pin with Wehrmacht buttons 'Jerry rigged' to the breast pocket zipper - presumably to open and close it while wearing gloves!
It's authentic - all of it! So, here are some pictures:
Authentic Luftwaffe WWII Oberst Fighter Pilot's Leather Jacket, Iron Cross 1st Class by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
IMG_2102 by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
IMG_2103 by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
IMG_2176 by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
Needless to say, I'm amazed. I just wish, as a professional dealer, that I could justify keeping it for myself!
It actually fits me perfectly!
Authentic Luftwaffe WWII Pilot's Leather Jacket by ColesAircraft, on Flickr
Ron Cole
Cole's Aircraft