OK folks....I'm going way out on a limb with this guess. Follow me here...
I was poking about the site here this evening. Someone a year or so back had posted a pointer to a company which specialises in recreated AAF leather jackets ('A2' or 'Bomber' jackets).
Original TIGHAR Posting here. They claim to be making them to original spec...including all of the variations which occurred from contract maker to contract maker.
One thing I ran across on this companys' site is the recreated jackets of the Aero Leather Clothing Company of Beacon, NY.
Main Aero Leather Item Listing hereAlong with all of these listings are pictures of their recreation (which they claim to be as close to original as is possible)
Associated Aero Leather pictures hereBeginning with the 14th picture and continuing for several, it shows a metal loop-and-hook-clip (of similar size and design to our artifact) used as collar closures.
Now, I know this pic is not identical.....but I don't know how successful they are at making accurate 'recreated' jacket designs, either. (Not to mention that AE's jackets surely were not Govt Issue)
My point, though, is: I have not seen this design on leather jackets before. However, if this IS indeed an authentic feature of jackets of the time.....our artifact appears somewhat similar.
The bad news: Although we've seen numerous pics of AE and FN with leather jackets of this basic design....I have little doubt but what every Coastie in the service at the time also had one of their own.
Yes, I know....LOTS of conjecture. If I am all wet on this.....I hereby apologise. But I saw these pics and that artifact pic immediately leapt into my mind.
LTM,
.....TB