Original WW2 Coastal Command Irvin Flying Jacket

Original WW2 Coastal Command Irvin Flying Jacket

Code: 53470

SOLD

An original RAF Coastal Command Irvin Flying Jacket dating from the Second World War and in good condition.

This pattern of Irvin was produced for Coastal Command crews and is also often associated with the Fleet Air Arm. The design closely follows that of the standard Irvin jackets produced during WW2 but it features a large. sheepskin lined hood which is yellow. The hood was intended to keep the wearer's head warm when flying in exposed positions (such as air gunners) and also to act as a marker if ditched in the sea. 

The jacket is a mid war 'multi-panel' example and was most likely made by 'Links'. It features the original zips throughout including a nickel plated 'Lightning' example to the front which works but has lost one of its brass rivets to the bottom as shown in picture 15. The arm zips also function well and are again Lightning branded examples which feature the Air Ministry AM and crown marking to the reverse. The jacket retains its original waist belt and nickel plated buckle and all the eyelets are present under each arm. 

The jacket is a medium size which will fit someone of around a 40" chest depending on desired fit and when laid flat measure -

Chest - 23"
Inside arm - 23"
Outside arm - 25 1/2"
Shoulders - 20"

The overall condition of the jacket is very good, as can be seen in the pictures. The chrome finish to the exterior of the leather is very good with only limited areas of crazing etc and the sheepskin lining is also good. There is some loss of sheepskin to the cuffs and around the waist as is commonly found and there is a small hole to the rear and another above the waistband. All of these flaws are detailed in the pictures and only noticeable under close scrutiny. The jacket looks to be very strong and wearable but is of course a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 


A nice original Irvin jacket in wearable condition.