Repro RAF Flying 1940/41 Pattern Sheepskin Flight Jacket Russet Reinforcements

Repro RAF Flying 1940/41 Pattern Sheepskin Flight Jacket Russet Reinforcements

This Jacket is Known as the ‘RAF Jacket’, it takes its name from Leslie Irvin the inventor who designed this in early 1930’s. First produced in the Letchworth factory in 1931, the design was officially approved by the Air Ministry. By 1932, the this jacket became a standard issue to all RAF pilots. Though originally produced by the Irvin Parachute Co.,  the demand required the work to be contracted out to several manufacturers during WWII. This accounts for some differences in design such as, the sheepskins used, and the varying colors as most of the labels were removed. One reason being that the label would have the maker and this would be useful information. Four panels were used due to the shortage of materials during the war period, where nothing was wasted and the later war jackets became multi panel. The Leather RAF Flying jacket is pattern from a late 1940/41 original 4-panel jacket, retaining the collar strap. The purpose of the collar strap was designed for open cockpit flying, where the strap was pulled over the head to sit on the forehead to help keep the collar up. It was discontinued on later war jackets. To maintain originality, the Leather RAF Flying Jacket has been fitted with reproduction Heavy Duty Zippers, on which the puller has been molded from an original puller to its exact size. We specifically Die Cast its Buckles which are made from Brass Material,