Original 

!!!NEW OLD STOCK!!!

Extremely Rare condition

Soviet Military issue Pilot Bomber Leather Jacket "Shevretka"!!!

(Similar to the USAAF A2 or USN G1 military issue jackets)

Made in USSR in 1983

Identical Leather Jacket was worn by YURI GAGARIN!

Ultra premium military issue leather jacket issued to Soviet Pilots and Cosmonauts!

These jackets were all handmade in a single factory "Clara Zetkin" in Moscow

Seal brown Air Force color   

True vintage investment piece that will get better with time!

The jacket and pictured helmet (helmet is not delivered with this lot), are exactly the same models as worn on the attached photos by both Yuri Gagarin and Alexei Leonov (the first man in Space and the first man who did a spacewalk). Gagarin also wore such jacket on his last flight, when he crashed (also photo attached). The same type of jacket was worn by Soviet Air force officers during Gagarin's first flight of a human to Space (see photo)!

This particular jacket for sale was issued to one Soviet Air Force instructor-pilot in 1983 (this year of production is also stamped on the label), who was training pilots to fly Sukhoi and MIG jets. However, this model of a Soviet Air Force Pilot's leather jacket was produced since the late 50s. Later on, in the late 80's, at the dawn of Soviet Union, the issue model was changed to an inferior cheaper two-piece upper back panel construction. Therefore, this particular jacket is from the last batches of  superior quality original single piece upper back-panel construction, as worn by Yuri Gagarin and other Soviet cosmonauts. The jacket for sale was never worn and is in NOS condition. 

The jacket is size 48 (similar to size 40 in USAAF A2 or USN G1 jackets). It is a half belt with bi-swing back, made of extremely durable leather with lots of handwork. There are two handwarmer pockets with durable moleskin lining and two outer breast pockets. Left breast pocket has a very durable lining in the form of Makarov Pistol and is intended for it's carrying. There is also an integrated lenyard to attach to the pistol's handle to eliminate the possibility of loss, it it accidently falls. Right pocket has a place for additional Makarov pistol's clip (see photos). Both breast pockets are closed with zippers which close towards the outer body direction, unlike as with the most civil jackets, where such zipper is closed towards the middle of a body. Such construction ensures that the pockets can be easily and rapidly opened completely, even with the heavy gloves on, to have an access to the pistol and so that the pistol does not get stuck, as it could have sucked if a zipper is not completely opened. The jacket's main lining has an interior breast pocket with a hidden button to carry documents. The jacket has an option for a detachable winter lining which is attached throughout the perimeter of the main lining with buttons (also in the sleeves at cuffs). Such detachable lining has 100% wool cuff knits and the lining itself completely repeats the construction pattern of a jacket. The detachable winter lining is also included in this lot (see photo). All zippers are extremely durable and there are virtually no examples ever known to break. The insert pin, box pin and retaining box of a main zipper are fully metal and are riveted through the metal zipper tape and metal reinforcements to the leather panels. Such construction has proven to be virtually indestructible! There are two press studs below the main zipper, which can be closed to prevent further stress points at the bottom of a zipper, or opened when seated for the ease of movement. The zippers were designed to work flawlessly at temperatures down to -50°Celsius (-58°F). Soviet pilots often used to insert a 1 kopeck coin in the "paper clip" main zipper puller, and it could be then used as a screwdriver to regulate the parachute system. 

There are three armpit ventilation rivets under each armpit and a "football" type armpits similar to the USN G-1 jackets. The collar construction on these Soviet military jackets is made in such a way, that the collar is attached at the very end of making the jacket and on top of the neck, for the ease of replacement (unlike A2 or G1, where it is sewn inside the neck seam). The collar has studs and the lining has button holes at the collar area for attachment of corduroy or real mouton fur collar (not included in the lot). 

The jacket is indeed a piece of history! Such unworn condition is nearly impossible to find, especially today and especially in such size.  

You can dress this jacket up and down very easily and it offers a very practical ease of movement, which is second to none among other military leather jackets. The construction, durability, fit and functionality are undoubtedly highly superior to A2 and G1 jackets by all parameters. This jacket is also longer than the A2 or G1, which makes it possible to wear it neatly over the uniform jacket (or a suit jacket) and is also more useful for a comfortable wear in a wider range of weather conditions. 

The fit is trim and not bulky, but at the same time very comfortable in terms of ease of movement. The waist is elasticized inside the leather on the sides, to make the jacket snug and fitted, but not to restrict the movement when sitting.