RAF 'Irvin' Sheep Skin Leather Jacket

[Clint]

Hello all,

Now I have warmed your brains up with the Single Door Cabinet, I hope you can help me with this;

It's an RAF 'Irvin' Sheep Skin Leather Jacket. Ive be told it was produced in c.1941/2 as it has the electrical wiring for the heating system. It was limited production due to that fact that, although it was a great idea, the heating component wasn't too reliable!

Can anyone confirm this, or provide more accurate information?

It was given to my father a few years ago now and has always been a conversation piece. It is well worn, however full of character.

Regards,

Clint

[mart]

http://www.rafcommands.com/dcforum/DCForumID7/205.html

There is a website in this discussion and information that might help you !!  Not sure exactly what you need but see if this helps !!  If not I will look further !!

[greenacres]

Here's your jacket on eBay.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-WW2-Wareings-RAF-flying-jacket-/121135500402?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item1c343d0c72

[mart]

Wrong jacket Greenacres,, this is an Irvin !!

[greenacres]

Sorry, clint rough night, lol.

[bigwull]

Sorry, clint rough night, lol.

what have i told you about them G&T,s.....they are a mothers ruin........

[bigwull]

you may want to look here, .....if this jacket is genuine....and from where i,m sitting...it looks like it is....then...depend ing on....where it came from,..was it used during WW11....what station was it at....then prices start at around £350....and just climb....peeking out at around £1400...

http://irvinsalesandrepairs.co/

[bigwull]

a few more on fleabay....


http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/irvin-flying-jacket.....whilst asking prices appear to be high....from what i,ve seen...they have little or no bids, or sales....like i said previously...if this has any history with it..then that will help it....however...if you are looking to sell it...and its not been gobbling all your corn ...then selling for a realistic price is achievable....

[Clint]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the input, it's much appreciated!

I will take a look at the links!

Regards,

Clint

[Ipcress]

This is worth several hundred pounds. Catalogued one about six years ago and it fetched £825.

[frogpatch]

I learned a lot from this thread. I knew absolutely nothing and now I now more than that. Thanks

[bigwull]

 

[Clint]

I learned a lot from this thread. I knew absolutely nothing and now I now more than that. Thanks

Ok ok! Here's what I've discovered!

The jacket was manufactured by Irvin Airchute. It is apparently quite clear from the collar shape and the smaller collar rings.
The photo of the label shows a '39' which dates the jacket to a 1939 production. The wires would have enabled the crew to use heated gloves and the intercom system in the plane. However, the umbilici (the cables that would plug the jacket into the airplane) have been cut off (normally done because they would get in the way when wearing after the operational usage).
I contacted Irvin Repairs and Sales and found that the serial number in the label will not lead to any history of the jacket, it really only shows the date and obviously authenticates the jacket.

I'm not going to get rid of it, instead I am going to get it repaired. I quite like it and enjoy day dreaming about what brave individuals would have worn it before me!

Regards,

Clint

[mart]

I think that's an excellent game plan !!