Original Early 20th Century Leather Aviation / Motoring Coat

Original Early 20th Century Leather Aviation / Motoring Coat

Code: 52364

SOLD

This rare original coat is of the same style as used by early aviators before the First World War as well as during the conflict. The cut and style of the coat is often referred to as an early Royal Flying Corps pattern and contemporary pictures show these coats being worn in the early part of the war.

Sadly the coat has no provenance but did come direct from source and came with a pair of Great War period field boots, also listed on my website. These coats were also used for motoring in the early part of the 20th Century as well as by aviators and there is no guarantee that this is an RFC item. It is however a very fine original example of this pattern of coat which would be hard to better and would certainly compliment any RFC display or collection.

The coat is made from a soft caramel coloured leather which is still very supple today and overall in very nice condition. It features a double breasted closure and slash pockets on the hips as well as a full belt which is in good condition. The belt buckle is the usual leather covered type found in this period and is a very good example. The coat features a heavy blanket lining designed to keep the wearer warm in open topped cars and open cockpits of the Edwardian period.

The coat still retains its original separate neck tab which buttons across between the two collar points as shown in the pictures. When not worn like this it is stored inside the coat by attaching it to two buttons on the inner side of the opening.

The sleeves of the coat are lined with a green/grey cotton and feature elasticated cuffs which are in good condition with little to no sign of wear.

The original label is still present and can be found below the hanging loop which is also still intact. The label reads 'The London and Leicester Rubber Co LTD, Leicester, Bournemouth & Ipswich' an is typical of the period featuring light writing on a black field.

The coat will suit a 38 to 40" chest well and depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 23"
Inside arm - 17 1/2"
Outside arm - 25 1/2"
Length - 45"
Shoulders 17 1/2"

As previously mentioned the coat is in nice condition for its age and is easily the best I have ever come across. It is of course a pre-owned, pre-worn item that is approximately 100 years old so will have some small issue and wear etc consummate with this. The lining has suffered from moth damage as can be seen in the pictures although this is not evident when the coat is worn. Please study the pictures as they form part of the description.

This is truly an amazing vintage coat which would make a good addition to any collection. It is undoubtedly an investment piece of high quality, the like of which is rarely offered on the open market.