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Wiley Post's Brown Leather/sheepskin Flight Jacket This four button, belted jacket was worn by th...

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Wiley Post's Brown Leather/sheepskin Flight Jacket This four button, belted jacket was worn by th...
Wiley Post's Brown Leather/sheepskin Flight Jacket This four button, belted jacket was worn by the man who, with fellow pilot Gatty, first flew an airplane around the world. He died in an airplane crash in Alaska with comedian Will Rogers after they got lost in fog and ran out of gas. This heavy leather jacket has a thick sheepskin/corduroy interior and a large fold-over collar similar to the jackets commonly worn by the fliers of the day (who flew in open cockpits and/or without interior heating). It has both slash and covered pockets on the front as well as woven cuffs in the sleeves (to keep out the cold when flying). The leather belt and buckle are original. A certificate of authenticity is included from the grandson of the friend to whom Post gave the jacket. It reads, in part: "This jacket was given to my grandfather.....by Mr. Post while Mr. Post was vacationing at my grandfather's cottage at Pleasant Lake, New Hampshire sometime in 1930 or 1931. Mr. Post came to know my grandfather through the choreographer Busbee Burklee, who was a close friend of both Mr. Post and grandfather. Mr. Burklee grew up in Athol, MA next door to my grandfather and they were best friends. This friendship lasted throughout their adult lives and on occasions when Mr. Burklee flew East, he would endeavor to see my grandfather. It was on one of these flights that Mr. Burklee introduced my grandfather to his traveling companion and pilot for that trip, Mr. Post. Mr. Post apparently had a background in mechanics and fancied himself a backyard engineer. My grandfather was an accomplished machinist, and the two men became friends thru their common interests and the fact that they both loved fishing. Mr. Post gave his jacket to my grandfather on a fishing trip at my grandfather's summer cottage on Lake Pleasant. He apparently complained about the cold the entire time and upon leaving offered his jacket to my grandfather saying: "If you are determined to live here you need it". A rare piece of memorabilia from a pilot who is remembered today both for his aviation exploits as well as for his association with Will Rogers. Minor faults do not detract (actually, the jacket is remarkable well preserved for its age). Unique. Estimate: $ 2,500 - 3,500