The Historic Flying Clothing Company Tel: 01332 345729
Email: david@historicflyingclothing.com
Web site: https://www.historicflyingclothing.com/

RFC 'used' flying coat liner

SOLD

Code: S26360



By Harrods of Knightsbridge, London.  A long, light tan coloured chromed leather liner with a fine cotton lining.  Single breasted with brown buttons, it also has buttonholes on each side of the front opening, under each armpit, and buttoned tabs inside each cuff so that it could be attached to the flying coat if desired.  The importance of keeping warm cannot be overstated and layering with linings like this, in conjuction with the the full length flying coat, went some way towards overcoming the exposure in open cockpits.  Most early private purchase flying kit was designed for motoring use and adopted for aviation.  Many of the leading outfitters produced such kit including Burberry, Gamages and Dunhill.  This liner, manufactured by the world famous Harrods department store, is in excellent overall condition.  The leather has some light stains and marking but remains beautifully soft and supple without damage bar a small panel cut from the back of the front edge near the hem.   I wonder if the leather was taken to patch another jacket of similar colour?  Either way, this is invisible when the lining is in use.  With a Harrods label at the neck.  A similar example can be seen in Mark Hillier's book, 'Royal Flying Corps Kitbag'.  A lovely rare piece that displays  extremely well.  Stock code S26360.