American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) Squadron Leader Jacket, Unique AVG Patch

ARTIFACT: It is not too often an actual piece of AVG Uniform Clothing is offered for sale. Right now, we have the privilege of offering the Museum Quality Dress Uniform of the Flying Tigers' Top-Scoring Ace, Bob Neale. Possibly one of the most important AVG uniforms in existence, its price is accordingly high.

For those of you who do not have the deep pockets for Neale's uniform, offered here is a wonderful AVG Squadron Leader Shirt-Type Uniform Jacket, most likely tailored in India, with a great, rare variation of the American Volunteer Group shoulder patch. This is the only example of this particular patch I have seen. And better yet, the cost is kept further down by the absence of the Flying Tiger Badge, and a Chinese Pilot Wing. Most of you already have these pieces anyway. I have included a couple images of what the jacket will look like with the proper insignia affixed (through the already-extant holes), but the AVG Badge and Chinese Pilot Wing ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALE OF THIS JACKET.

So, if you have been yearning to have that AVG mannequin, and want an authentic piece, deaccessioned from what was at one time the premiere Flying Tigers collection in the country, at a bargain price, this is your chance.

Sadly, unidentified WWII AVG Squadron Leader Jacket with unique AVG shoulder patch. The jacket collar features embroidered "A.V.G." insignia and winged prop and the inside of the collar shows handwritten "1004" (or W Q Y??) in period fountain pen. The five-button, single-breasted jacket features four front pockets, the two breast pockets with button closures and two larger waist level with deep canvas pocket and flap-style closure. The long sleeve jacket is nicely tailored with gathered shoulders, pleated back, wide belt loops, double-vented rear bottom, sturdy hems on pockets, button cuffs, and button-up. The inside of the jacket features banded hems in the armpit and an extra pocket on the inside reverse of the lower left pocket. The left breast features two embroidered holes for Pilot Wing attachment, and the right breast has 2 tiny puncture holes where the Flying Tiger Badge would go. The interior right side of the jacket shows a large ink stamp of the number "12". One of the pleats on the back has separated and the belt is no longer present.

VINTAGE: Circa early 1942

SIZE: This is a larger size, Jacket measures approximately 23" from armpit to armpit; 32" length from collar to hem (on reverse); 26" from shoulder seam to cuff; 18 ??" between shoulders.

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Khaki cotton, cotton/polyester/silk thread, bullion, tinsel, buttons, silk.

ATTACHMENT: Five-button closure on single breast, button closure on breast pockets and cuffs.

MARKINGS: "1004" hand written on inside of collar hem and "12" ink-stamp on inside breast pocket (see photos)

ITEM NOTES: This is from a collection of Flying Tigers & Chinese Aviation artifacts that we here at Flying Tiger Antiques have been commissioned to sell. We will be listing more from the collection over the coming weeks. CON-AVG-PAHX14 LACJJJX4/15.

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): Shirt-jacket shows light to moderate wear, little to no soiling. One of the rear pleats, and some stitching on reverse has separated and the belt is no longer with jacket.