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RFC 'Fug' Flying Boots

SOLD

Code: B18565

'Boots, Flying, Thigh'. Stores reference 22c/4. Size 9. Thigh length, suede, sheepskin lined boots widely used by British Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service aircrew in WW1. Often seen in period photographs with the trademark long leather flying coat. Various different styles/patterns were made but most had a two-tone appearance with a different type of leather/suede used for the shoe section to that of the main body of the boot. In addition most have stitched leather or thick red rubber soles, a buckled strap over the top of the shoe section and a similar strap just below the knee. A small inverted 'V' shaped strap/buckle was stitched to the top outer edge of the boot - this could be connected to the wearer's other clothing using a separate strap (the left boot retains this extra strap). This pair have a mid chestnut brown leather shoe section with mid tan/chocolate brown suede uppers. They retain both of the lower straps and the full upper leg sections of the boots complete with with top attachment strap/buckle. The shoe area is in lovely supple condition retaining a good finish with only fairly minor scuffing and average soiling. The original rubber soles and heels show use but remain in excellent condition. The suede uppers are generally very good bar some minor surface abrasion in places, general soiling and a few very small holes. The upper edge of the right boot has a small tear (no material missing) and a very old stitched patch. The fleece linings are soiled but appear to be near complete with no obvious sign of moulting or loss. All straps/buckles are complete, generally flexible and in good order. The upper strap on the left boot is War Department broad arrow and size marked. Considering these are probably 100 years old their condition really is quite remarkable. Extremely hard to find full length or even cut-down to knee length as many were at the time. Stock code B18565.