{"product_id":"vintage-1990s-wested-memphis-belle-b-3-sheepskin-flying-jacket","title":"Vintage 1990s Memphis Belle B-3 Sheepskin Flying Jacket","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eIn the summer of 1989, B-17 Flying Fortresses returned to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire for the filming of \u003cem\u003eMemphis Belle\u003c\/em\u003e. To recreate the clothing of the wartime aircrews, British leather specialist Wested Leather Co. was commissioned to produce the A-2 and B-3 flying jackets for the production.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eDating from the 1990s, this remarkable jacket followed directly from that association. Made by the same British company responsible for the film's flying jackets, it is an exceptionally substantial example of Wested's \u003cem\u003eMemphis Belle\u003c\/em\u003e B-3, produced when the film and its imagery were still fresh in the public imagination. For anyone who remembers \u003cem\u003eMemphis Belle\u003c\/em\u003e, the enormous cream fleece collar, broad shoulders and dark brown sheepskin immediately recall the B-17 crews portrayed by Matthew Modine, Billy Zane, Sean Astin, Harry Connick Jr. and the film's ensemble cast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe original B-3 was designed to protect aircrew from the extreme cold encountered inside unpressurised bombers at altitude, and the sheer substance of this jacket makes that purpose easy to understand. It is exceptionally heavy, made from thick sheepskin with dense cream fleece continuing throughout the body and sleeves. The huge flying collar can be raised and secured around the neck by twin leather straps and metal D-rings, while adjustable leather straps draw the jacket at either side of the waist. Turned-back cuffs expose still more of the deep fleece beneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eExtensive dark leather reinforcement gives the jacket much of its character. Broad sections form the lower front and pockets, with further reinforcement following the centre fastening, shoulders, rear yoke and principal seams. More than three decades of wear have softened the brown exterior, producing lighter areas, natural creasing and variation across the surface, while the darker leather has retained greater depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eInside, the full sheepskin construction is exposed, together with Wested's distinctive black-and-gold woven label. It is a wonderfully substantial 1990s example from a British maker with a genuine connection to one of the most recognisable aviation films of its generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eExcellent vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe sheepskin remains exceptionally strong, thick and supple, with dense, well-preserved fleece throughout. The exterior carries natural age-related creasing, rubbing and variation to the brown finish, particularly across the shoulders and sleeves. The contrasting leather reinforcement, straps and hardware remain in very good vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe jacket has been professionally specialist cleaned in-house and subsequently conditioned in our workshop using our own Sheepskin Conditioning Cream, developed specifically for the care of vintage sheepskin. Its naturally developed wear and character have been carefully preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage 1990s Wested Leather Co. \u003cem\u003eMemphis Belle\u003c\/em\u003e B-3 flying jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade by the company commissioned to produce the A-2 and B-3 flying jackets for \u003cem\u003eMemphis Belle\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptionally heavy sheepskin construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense cream fleece throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOversized fleece flying collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwin leather throat straps with metal D-rings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive contrasting dark leather reinforcement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReinforced lower front and pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReinforced shoulders and rear yoke\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCentral metal zipper fastening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable leather side waist straps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurn-back fleece cuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack-and-gold Wested Leather Co. woven label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements, Laid Flat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest, armpit to armpit: 29\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders, seam to seam: 26'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 28\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderarm seam to cuff: 22\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length, base of collar to hem: 29\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited to:\u003c\/strong\u003e 48\" chest \/ Size 2XL, with a generous cut allowing comfortable room for layering. \u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDue to the exceptionally thick fleece, the internal fit will be smaller than the external measurements might suggest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor the best indication of sizing, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54822271156547,"sku":"EB5132","price":595.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_5978_95addc85-6a1b-4f80-822c-7cef40ac4ce5.jpg?v=1789734743","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/vintage-1990s-wested-memphis-belle-b-3-sheepskin-flying-jacket","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}