WW1 RFC flying combination gauntlets

WW1 RFC flying combination gauntlets

Code: GA25342

SOLD

By Fownes.  Size 81/2.  This pattern of 'double-gauntlet' was designed and patented in 1907 by Henry Urwick, son of one of the partners in the renowned Fownes glove manufacturing company.  They are designed as a two-in-one glove - the inner one being an ordinary glove made in light tan coloured soft chromed leather, with a wide mid-forearm length cuff and unlined five finger hand section.  The outer glove shares the cuff section of the inner and is in the form of a fleece lined mitten without divided fingers and without any palm.  The thumb and backs of the two gloves are sewn together but the fingers are not connected to each other such that the airman could turn back the mitten revealing his fingers whilst still wearing the inner glove.  This proved popular with many RFC airmen during the Great War.  The leather is in good '+'  overall condition, quite clean and lovely and supple.  The palms and fingers are a little more soiled with use with some abrasion and a couple of small stiched repairs to the end of two fingers.  The mitten sections remain in place and can be folded back and held in position using a single press stud on each glove.   There is wear to the linings and  loss of fleece, mainly in the 'uncovered' section.  Faint manufacturer's marks can be seen in each glove along with size marks.  Named to R.J. L. Wood'.  A good '+' to very good pair of these extremely rare antique flying gloves.  Stock code GA25342.