ALL ORIGINAL Irvin RAF type Jackets - Loving that Wolf in sheeps' clothing!

[Spitfire]

Interesting with the mis-matched seam tapes - but hey! Don't they know there is a war on - so who cares?

 

[Spitfire]

At the moment there are six or seven original Irvins on ebay - the season is getting closer!

 

[aswatland]

Correct, and one guy is selling three at the same time!

 

[Gee]

Beautiful jackets and, as always, highly detailed and helpful descriptions including the size of chest the jackets will fit. Considering how few original Irvins are auctioned on ebay it seems to me that a high percentage are listed without this critical detail. Usually a question and answer sequence follows, often with the seller pleading ignorance due to the lack of a label, but how hard can it be to try the jacket on and see if it fits? If it doesn't maybe you have a friend with a different chest size. Perhaps some sellers think that these jackets are only likely to be displayed or bought as an investment. Best of luck with the auctions.

 

[miger]

Hi Guys , here are some photos of my original Irvin,( and one of Monty wearing an almost identical one!) i'd like Andrew to cast his expert eye over them and hopefully have a stab at whose contract this was part of----------------would i be correct in thinking it dates from approx' 1942 Andrew?
It has all 3 original working DOT /AM crown/ made in england zips (cast single truncheon), original elastic collar strap, leather hang tag, lovely very long honey coloured 'Devon' fur but alas no label.
Size-wise it fits me fine, if a little big on me and the sleeves are a bit long.
I'm a size 42'' chest and i'm 5' 11'' tall.
JACKET SIZES:
Across the chest 24''
Sleeves outer 26''
Back from collar base to waist 26.5''

Cheers, let me have your thoughts Guys!

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[aswatland]

It would appear to be a DGL jacket made around 1941-3 in London. A pic of the underarm vents would be helpftul.

 

[miger]

Cheers Andrews, sorry, i'd took a picture of the vent holes but hadn't uploaded it ----here it is now below.
From the sizes i've given, any idea of the Irvin size number it is Andrew?
Jim.

 

[aswatland]

I would say it is a size 5 or a size 6 at the most. Remember sizes varied from contractor to contractor.

Here's a link to one of my DG Ltd Irvins. DGL and DG Ltd were the same London firm. It's marked a size 5.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...s-Loving-that-Wolf-in-sheeps-clothing!/page13

 

[miger]

Thanks Andrew, i hope you don't mind me asking, what size are you height and chest -wise?

 

[aswatland]

I'm six feet tall with a 40 inch chest.

 

[Gee]

Soren sized original?

I noticed an (apparently) exceptionally large electrically wired original up for auction on ebay which may be of interest to Soren or other loungers. Not in pristine original condition, and not cheap, but unusual and worth a look maybe?

 

[Spitfire]

I've seen it - and afraid of being singled out as choosy, but I don't like wired Irvins that much. Sorry. And I don't like the price either

 

[aswatland]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Irvin-Fly...Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item27be5c2462

This is a size 6 (or size 7 at the most) IAC jacket and dates to around 1940. It is unusual to have the conecting wires still attached, but it's really not a practical jacket to wear. The price is well OTT.

 

[aswatland]

MINT 1933 IRVIN AIR CHUTE JACKET

Pre-War Irvins are becoming rarer these days and those from the early 1930s are even rarer. The IAC patent dates to 1932 and at least one of the earliest jackets from 1932 did not have a waist belt, possibly a test jacket. By 1933 the Letchworth factory was turning out jackets which in many respects resemble mid War Irvins down to the four panel body construction. The iconic two panel construction associated with pre and early War jackets came a little later in the mid 1930s.

I have owned a 1933 four panel jacket for several years. The jacket had been well used, but retained all its original features, including the elastic strap.

However, a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to add a second 1933 Irvin to my collection. When I saw photos taken by the collector I was amazed. The jacket is in stunning all original condition and impossible to up-grade!

The fleece is perfect-no wear at all anywhere. The single trunnion Dot zips have their original leather pulls. The rounded ends of the pulls contrast with the squarer ends of later pulls. Unlike my other 1933 Irvin this one does not have the eyelets for the elastic strap.

The label is clear with the IAC patent and no contract number. However this was an issued jacket for it was acquired D.K.Taylor, an Aero engine fitter who had joined the RAF in 1927 and served with no. 11, 605, 101, 230 and 605 squadrons until his discharge in August 1939. During the War he worked at No. 14 Elementary Flying Training School at Elmdon Airport, Birmingham as a ground engineer, specialising in the overhaul of Tiger Moth airframes and Gipsy Major Engines. From 1948 to 1974 he worked at Eastleigh Airport for a flying school, rebuidling a Gloster Gladiator and a Spitfire. How he acquired the jacket is not known, but it is likely to have been in the mid 1930s. It has been in storage for much of its like and thus is in such amazing consition.

It has been given a light coat of Pecards to protect the leather, but the leather is generally supple, with no damage, repairs at all.
I have taken some outdoor pictures today. The jacket is very comfortable to wear and a great fit. Enjoy!

 

[aswatland]

Notice the original cutter's tags.

 

[aswatland]

The label is machine sewn in rather than tacked in by hand.

 

[aswatland]

D.F. Taylor known as "Buck" is wearing mechanics overalls.

 

[Spitfire]

As mentioned before in another forum - that is one fantastic Irvin!!!!

 

[aswatland]

Thanks Soren. It would be impossible to up-grade as well.

 

[Gee]

Unlike Soren I am a complete Irvin tart - love them all, wired or not, hooded or not, single or multi panel, original condition or patched up basket case. But, there are Irvins and IRVINS, and that jacket is just ridiculously beautiful. I would happily sell my mother in law for that jacket, and I am not kidding, just put her on ebay, 99p start, no reserve and free delivery worldwide!