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Luftwaffe suede 'channel' flying jacket

Code: J24352

Winter weight 'Channel' jacket for use in flight over water but issued mainly to aircrew on the eastern front.   Measures approximately 48" at the chest (24" pit to pit laid flat).  Constructed using undyed suede shearling with a fleece lining and large suede backed fleece collar.  A single front zip fastener runs from the waist to the neck and a narrow cotton canvas waistband closes at the front with 2 snap fasteners.  This example wasn't made with lower pockets and the single leather map pocket on the left breast has been carefully unpicked.  The overall appearance is reasonable.  Much of the suede is in very good condition but there are substantial repaired tears/damage to the back of the left arm (pics. 18-21).  There is also a repaired tear on the right elbow (pic. 17) and a small repair just below the neck on the upper front left panel (pic. 16).  All of these areas have been photographed.  The waistband shows wear but remains complete with adjusting tapes and buckles.  Both cuffs retain their concealed inner cotton cuffs.  All zips are original and two retain their leather puller tabs. The main 'Rapid' zip has lost the metal slider at the base of the right zip tape but it can still be meshed with care as illustrated in the photographs. Both sleeve zips are functional if a little stiff.  The lining is generally quite good but there are two bald areas - odd as there is no apparant cause or reason for this and the remaining fleece is prefecty stable. The collar is good though the straps show wear.  Labelled with manufacturer's details 'Alaska Anrcka A.G. Sofia, Bulgaria'.  Many luftwaffe flying suits and jackets were manufactured in Bulgaria, which was allied to Germany during the war.  Certainly not without issues and not recommended for wear but this jacket displays well and is a relatively rare variant.  We purchased this directly from the son of a RAF airmen who removed it from the wreckage of a German reconnaissance aircraft in Norway towards the end of WW2.  Stock code J24352.