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David & the Team
The Historic Flying Clothing Company - Established 1993

Code: 14213Price: On Request

R.A.F. Irvin Flying Jacket

By Wareings. Stored ref. 22c/323. Size 7 (out of 8 sizes), Ht. 6'2-6'4", Ch. 40-42", Wt. 36-38". 1941 dated. Physically measures approx. 48 - 49” (zipped, laid flat and measured pit to pit) so should be OK for around a 44” chest - the measurements given on the label refer to the size when worn over a uniform or similar clothing. The leather is in excellent overall condition retaining much of the original chromed finish and flexibility. Apart from light abrasion, surface crazing and wear there is no damage or repairwork. Some soiling - mainly on the arms. Sadly the windflap behind the front zip has been carefully removed but this could be reinstated using a donor jacket or trousers. All of the stitching and seams appear good and tight. Excellent mid length dense golden tan coloured fur that is still very good at both the cuffs and waist. The jacket retains its chain hanger belt, collar strap/rings and original Air Ministry marked 'D-o-T' and 'Lightning' brand zips, two still complete with with leather pull tag. Lovely large original label complete with size and date details - this would benefit from a little extra stitching. Overall this is a very nice example in one of the largest sizes produced. Would improve further with a light leather dressing. If you are looking for a big Irvin do not miss this one! Stock code J17429.

Code: 14150Price:

R.A.F. MK.IVB Flying Goggles c/w Flipshield, Boxed with Spares

Stores Ref. 22c/167 (Goggles), 22c/113 (Screen, Anti-Glare). The frame is in excellent original condition with no damage and virtually no paint loss whatsoever. This pair is finished with the less common satin brown paint finish. The nosepiece leather is in excellent condition as is the chamois backing bar light soiling. Whilst the rubber face pads have hardened and perished they retain better shape than many we have seen. The fitted clear lenses appear to be very good. Strap components are excellent throughout - all the strap springs are complete/excellent. Clearly A.M. marked with reference numbers etc. The flipshield, or more correctly 'Screen, Anti-Glare' is fitted with the large exposed type spring mechanism - all in very good condition bar a missing securing bolt (see photo). Complete with fully stamped original box of issue. Whilst this is soiled and has some damage it remians in reasonably good overall shape and is quite strong. Also comes with the inner card spares box containing a tube of “Everclear”, spanner and a full set of helmet plates and poppers for attaching to B or C-type helmets (all very good) plus copper rivets and the leather/chamois forehead strip too. Also comes with a set of spare delaminated tinted lenses. Overall this is an excellent set of goggles. Stock code G18197.

Code: 14194Price:

R.A.F. Sergeant's Caterpillar Club Badge & Card

Awarded/named to Sgt. Edward James Henry Tolhurst, 907789. Tolhurst flew as an airgunner with 104 squadron, based at Foggia, Italy. Wellington MF 350 (EP-A) took off at 19.35 and was shot down during an attack on Herman Goering Werke, Linz on the night of 21st August 1944. Of the crew, Pilot F/Sgt. Henry James Potter RAFVR (1324962), Navigator Sgt. David Maxwell Herbert RAFVR (1802768) and Sgt. William Eric Davies RAFVR (1454522) were all killed and are buried in Klagenfurt war cemetary in Austria. Tolhurst and James ended up in Stalagluft 7 (L7), Bankau, on the far Eastern border of Germany. Their P.o.W numbers being 722 and 743 respectively. The 9 carat gold caterpillar badge with ruby/amethyst gemstone eyes is in excellent condition and engraved to the rear 'Sgt. E.J.H.Tolhurst'. The membership card is a little warped and has some edge cracking and wear. This again is named to Tolhurst and personally signed by Leslie Irvin. Rare to find and nice to have both card and badge together. Edward Tolhurst, known as 'Jim' died in 2007 at the age of 86. Stock code E15938.

Code: 14180Price:

R.A.F. Type A Flying Helmet

Size 7, 1/8. 'Helmet, Cork, Aviation'. Stores ref. 22c/13. Issued to aircrews based East of Malta. First issued in the 1920s and remained in service until superseded by the cotton drill D-type flying helmet in 1941. Manufactured from lightweight cork and in the form of a pith helmet covered in light khaki coloured cotton drill. Has earflaps in the same material, backed with chamois leather to which a chinstrap with pronged buckle closure is attached. The earflaps have pockets to take Gosport fittings or receivers. Also has a concealed goggle strap at the rear, attached to the inner leather band. The latter is stamped 'Comfortilet Fitting, Royal Letters Patent No. 207475' Paper label inside with Air Ministry crown marks, serial number with 1938 date code and size details. Light marking in places but generally very clean and in really excellent, lightly used condition. A very rare helmet to find, especially in this size and condition. Stock code H16384.

Code: 14184Price:

R.A.F. MK.VIII Flying Goggles - Postwar production

Stores Ref. 22c/930. The frames are in excellent overall condition with only minor paint rubbing on exposed edges. The leather surround is also very good as is the suede backing. Both clear lenses are equally good and lack the usual delamination problems. Let down by the strap that is ragged on both outer sections and lacks elasticity. This is an early postwar production pair but the differences are slight. Good '+' used condition overall. Stock code G18857.

Code: 14152Price: 75.00 GBP

R.A.F. 1943 Pattern 'Escape' Flying Boots

Approx. size 8 (same size as a pair of labelled S8 1936 pattern boots in stock) The suede uppers are truly excellent with virtually no rubbing or soiling. Both Broad Arrow 'W' marked zips are very good. The shoe sections are excellent indicating little use. Original soles and heels. Lovely clean thick fur linings. An excellent lightly used pair of boots. Stock code B18232.

Code: 14155Price: 375.00 GBP

R.A.F. 1943 Pattern 'Escape' Flying Boots

Approx. size 7 (Same size as a pair of labelled S7 1936 pattern boots in stock). The suede uppers are excellent with virtually no rubbing or soiling. Both the Air Ministry 'W' marked zips are very good. The shoe sections are also very good with just fairly minor marking and wear. Original heels and soles. The linings also appear to be in very good overall condition bar a small 'bare' area near the top of the right boot. An excellent used pair. Stock code B17341.

Code: 14154Price: 295.00 GBP

R.A.F. Special Ration Type 'C' - Sealed

By. J.B.B. Ltd. Stores ref. 27P/21. Special Ration Type 'C' in sealed cylindrical gilt metal container. Approx. 11 x 9cm. Contents listed as boiled sweets, fruit bar, sweet biscuits, oatmeal munch and chewing gum. Tins shows wear, scratching, minor surface corrosion and denting. One of the rarer flying rations to find. Stock code E15957.

Code: 14148Price: 165.00 GBP

R.A.F. Irvin Flying Jacket Collar Strap

Black elastic strap with metal attachment clips to each end . These were fitted using the small brass 'eyes' sewn onto the rear of the Irvin collar. These straps are often referred to as spare goggle straps but were in fact used to help pull the collar into the upright position. Light soiling and fading. Minor edge fraying. Still retains a little elasticity. Minor marking/tarnishing of metal parts. Quite good used condition. Remarkably difficult to find. Sock code J.

Code: 14145Price: