Code: S24681-4
By Baxter, Woodhouse & Taylor Ltd. 'Coveralls, Electrically Heated'. Size 2 (but appears to be quite large!). 1969 dated. One-piece 'WINDAK' suit in heavy blue cotton. Zipped from the groin to the neck with a press stud fastened storm flap, and an integral hood with drawstring closure. Flapped pockets on either side of the waist and flapped patch pockets just above the knees, the latter with eyelet 'drain holes'. Full cotton lining with integral braces/suspenders to help alleviate the weight of the suit. Integral wiring loom between the lining and outer cloth, this serves to heat the suit and provide a current to connectors at the wrists and ankles where electrically heated gloves and bootees were attached. Knitted collar and wristlets. Excellent condition. The suit is generally very clean, undamaged, and has working original 'Lightning' zips. There is verdigris on these and some other metal parts plus age-related wear on the rubber washers of the heated glove/ankle connectors. The suit retains the umbilical cord and large rubber-covered 2-pin plug. With manufacturer's labels. It also comes with a pair of unlined black leather gloves, mid forearm in length with elasticated 'cuffs'. Within these is a pair of type D electrically heated flying gauntlet linings, stores reference 22c/715/728, size medium. These are manufactured with a black silk/rayon outer shell lined in stockinette fleece, to which the heating element is sewn. The element is encased in flameproof cotton fleece material and the ends of the element are riveted to press stud fasteners at the cuff. These would attach directly to the fittings on the cuffs of the suit. In addition, there is a pair of 'Socks, electrically heated, type D'. Stores reference 22c/722 & 725. Size large. These are manufactured with a blue gaberdine outer to which is sewn a high wattage (24 volt) heating element and stockinette fleece lining. The ends of the element terminate above the ankle and are riveted to press studs that can be connected to the corresponding studs on the suit. This is a very good pair with light soiling and verdigris marks but little wear or moth damage. The suit also comes with an electrical connector cable, rubber covered with 2-pin rubber covered socket, and 2-pin metal plug. The suit is in its original card box as purchased from an army surplus store many years ago. This has no markings and is in fair condition only. These Baxter, Woodhouse, Taylor suits would appear to have been issued to the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm but precise use is as yet unclear. They bear very strong resemblances to both the WW2 yellow 'Taylorsuit' produced by the same company and also the 'Beadon' flying suit (collar/cuffs). A superb rare suit and an excellent display piece. Stock code S4681.
