There are some pieces that I never thought I'd ever own, and to be fair this isn't the sort of piece I hunt, but one of the things I love about this job is never knowing what you'll find. This is an example of one of the earliest ever military flying jackets! Over 100 years old, and designed just 10 years after the first flight. It was recognised pretty quickly after the Wright Brothers' landmark achievement that flight would play an important role in warfare. In 1912 the British founded the Royal Flying Corps as part of the army and began to experiment with flying. The issue with the exposed early aircraft was the cold and wind, and this is an example of the first efforts to provide some comfort to pilots. The maternity tunic was designed with its asymmetric flap across the chest to prevent wind reaching the pilots chest, and these would be worn beneath a leather flying coat. These would be worn as standard flying equipment by the RFC throughout the duration of WW1.
So many great details on this including the early brass snaps and collar closure and some sort of strange collar strap that I can't figure out. The tailoring is great with a contrast colour fabric inside the sleeves. There are brass hooks on the waist to keep the wearer's leather belt in place. I believe, based on some others I've examined this was made in Canada. Such a cool piece and I'm truly excited to have a flight jacket this old, even if only for a short time.
Condition
Pretty excellent for the age. Some light mothing and shrinkage to the lining, but otherwise excellent.
Size
- No tag
- Fits small
- Pit to pit 18"
- Shoulder to shoulder 16"
- Shoulder to cuff 23"
- Collar to hem 28"