December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
American World War II Pacific Theater Bomber Jacket named to an E.J. Hansen of the 58th Bomb Wing of the 509th Bombardment Group. The 509th Bombardment group began during World War II as the 509th Composite Group who dropped the famous nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The painted emblem on this Bomber Jacket is from circa 1946, and is the emblem used by the 509th Bombardment Group who dropped the nuclear test bombs during the famous Bikini Atoll Nuclear Tests. The Bomber Jacket is made of quality leather which is supple and pliable. The painted on 509th Bombardment Group Emblem remains roughly 90% intact with some minor flaking of the 74 year old paint. Above the 509th emblem is a sewn-on leather name tag which reads “E.J. Hansen”. A painted on “Army Airforces” emblem can be seen on the jacket's left sleeve. Approximately 85% of the emblem remains with minor flaking. Two leather rank patches are sewn to the bomber jacket's shoulder straps. Because the rank emblem is black, it is unknown if the rank is a Major or a Lieutenant Colonel. The interior of the jacket is lined with synthetic rayon material that shows light patina and minor fraying under the collar area. A makers tag is sewn to the interior and reads “Admiral Byrd, Sports Apparel”. A desirable and historically important bomber jacket, which is not often seen on the market. CONDITION: Excellent. D.W.