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RAF Mk.6 ventile immersion flying suit c.1950s

SOLD

Code: S24559

A Special Production of P. Frankenstein & Sons (Manchester) Ltd. Victoria Rubber Works, Manchester. Stores reference 22c/1202 (blouse) & 22c/1207 (trousers). Size 4, 1954 dated. Incredibly rare early two piece aircrew immersion flying suit comprised of a hooded blouse and high waisted trousers with integral half-wellington boots. Both parts are manufactured in a twin layer of blue-grey ventile fabric woven from Egyptian cotton. The blouse is tailored as an over-the-head smock with integral hood fitted with a drawcord and a protecting curtain which extends beyond the face. A soft wire in the edge of the rim allows it to be shaped as required. The hood is normally rolled up and fastened at the back of the neck. The blouse has two flapped pockets on the chest and is fitted with a silk/rayon lined neoprene rubber neck seal, rubber cuffs and 'skirt'. The matching high-waisted trousers featured leg pockets (removed), integral rubber boots with lace fasteners to adjust the fit, a large rubber 'collar' at the waist and braces to alleviate the weight. A urinating sleeve of fabric tube is made watertight by being wound round the stem of a metal key and bound with cord. The sleeve is covered by a fabric flap held in place with a single snap fastener. When worn, the lower part of the blouse buttons over the top of the trousers to form a watertight seal. The suit shows little use and the fabric is strong and supple. The rubber skirts on both blouse and trousers do have tears but remain lovely and supple and could perhaps be repaired using thin rubber sheet. The rubber neck/cuff seals have been cut back. The trousers retain the original war department braces and the boots show little wear. Both parts are labelled. The Mk.6 was the first of only two immersion suit made using ventile cloth and all after the Mk.7 they were all one-piece garments. These early post WW2 suits very rarely turn up and the ones that do invariably have gone hard, are dirty, damaged, have hoods missing/removed etc. This is a very good example. Try finding another. Stock code S24559.