Ike Jacket Worn by Captain Vince Evans, Bombardier of the MEMPHIS BELLE

Ike Jacket Worn by Captain Vince Evans, Bombardier of the Memphis Belle.  This was a Model 1941 service dress coat that Captain Evans purchased while training in Texas, made by Lauterstein’s, San Antonio.  The makers label was sewn directly into the uniform with Evan’s name typed on the label, “V.B. Evans 727090.”  Absolutely no evidence of tampering with a named label after the coat was made.  The coat was most likely modified to the “Ike” while in England with the 8th Air Force. The “41 coat was cut at the waist and the gaberdine material was used to form the belt, with a brass buckle added to tighten. Nothing else it appears altered,  The insignia added is English made; wing and prop (no hallmarks), USs same, wings hallmarked AE Co. /Sterling.  The buttons are “Superior Quality,” and I believe the 8th AF patch is also English made.

The ribbon bar is incorrect, and I agree with all who have commented, the it was just to “fill a hole” so to speak. The coat was in storage for a while before I bought it, and has a few very tiny moth holes, and sporadic at that as you really have to hunt for them. Some moth tracking in small area, again very sporadic. some wear, but over all a nice condition jacket.

There is a ring binder with an original copy of “25 MISSIONS” and other photocopied photos of the crew and other 8th AF items this last collector had purchased, this all as he left it, other than the Ebay pages from when he bought it, and comments from one of the forums that were commenting on this jacket, pros and cons.  There are some other sites still up on the net that comment on the jacket that you should see, as most collectors believe the piece to be the real deal.  I have not included Vince Evans and the Memphis Belle’s history here, as it is too lengthy, and most of you have a good knowledge of them anyway.

This is a real super piece of WWII history, and Americana.  If I had all the provenance some would want, the jacket would be far more that what I’ve priced it.

Shirt and tie are not Evan’s, but will gladly include them.