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WW1 RFC combination flying gauntlets

Code: GA26918

By Fownes.  Size 10.  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, undamaged, lovely and supple.  The gauntlets have some staining, the palms and fingers being a little more soiled than other parts.  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, old/inactive insect damage and loss of fleece within the mittens, mainly in the 'uncovered' section and right glove.  Faint manufacturer's marks can be seen in each glove along with size marks.  A good '+' to very good pair of these extremely rare antique flying gloves.  Stock code GA26918.