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

[Paulgo253]

I'm finding this to be a very useful combination in the latest cold snap - my early war Irvin teamed with a 1955 Royal Navy issued submarine jersey. Really warm for chilly walks with the dogs (and the odd moody selfie!!)

 

[Kitcat]

I remember now. It is 100% original and most certainly not a repro. I am sure it will do well in the classified section here on an online auction site.

Thank you again- we intend to keep it if it’s genuine. We didn’t want to worry about hanging onto a repro. We will get the zip fixed and look after it for the future

 

[RapidReaper]

Here's a shot of Aquaman from one of the X-Men movies wearing an Irvin.

 

[aswatland]

That is interesting.

 

[Dav]

Movie is called Justice League, I'm watching the Irvin as I type.

 

[RapidReaper]

Interesting thing about it- Jason Momoa (the actor) is 6' 4" tall and actually has the cuffs rolled up about halfway up their zipper length and they still cover his wrists. It's loos like an early IAC, despite the 4 piece back, and to have found one that size must have been a miracle.

 

[Dav]

I assumed it was probably a repro because of the size.

 

[Stevo]

Hi everyone,
This is my first post as I feel I finally have something worth sharing. I have been a fan of Irvin jackets since I was a small boy and finally I had the opportunity to pick one up. I live in Canada and these are extremely difficult to find. This one is in excellent overall condition with no damages or repairs and the leather has just a slight stiffness. Unfortunately, I don't know all of the details on the original owner but I do have his type C flying helmet which is named inside as F/O Arnett. There is no tag inside but it seems to be a decent size. I have about a 44 chest and this is loose on me but of course they were intended to be worn over the uniform so it's likely the correct size for me. Can you guys help me determine who the manufacturer would have been?

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

That looks like a great jacket that you have found there.

 

[Stevo]

I think so. I feel very fortunate. I'm a bit unsure if I should apply any Picards antique leather dressing since everything I've read about leather conservation advises against it. I would love to have an early war Irvin to wear so at some point I'll need to find a repro. This thread has been very interesting and I haven't gone through all 73 pages yet.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Gosh, are there really 73 pages on this thread?? I was at Duxford a few days ago, it is an aviation museum with a runway, no doubt an old WW11 airbase in eastern England, as well as having a fascinating collection of old and new air force and civil aircraft, they have flying displays, there was a big airshow a few days ago and even yesterday there were some small planes flying, some taking passengers, including biplanes and a spitfire. In the shop there, they were selling Irving flight jackets which looked great, but I did not have enough money on me for one of those.

 

[Paulgo253]

Hi Stevo and welcome - that's a fabulous looking jacket you've got yourself there! Not easy to find in a large size either. I would chance my arm and say it looks like it could be a Wareings jacket by the belt loops and the collar hoops - very similar to mine as below. Possibly made around 1940? Although it has a four panel front and Lightning main zip I don't think this was uncommon at the earlier part of the war when there was a tranisition period from the the two peice to four peice jackets. Andrew will proably be along soon and give you a difinitive answer.

Definately go for Peckards - it will transform the jacket, but apply sparingly. It has truly done wonders for my jackets! There is a wealth of info in this thread. Like you I had always had a fascinating for Irvin jackets since I was young and it's only a few years ago that I bought one and began to find out about these jackets which has since become a bit of an obsession. I chanced up this forum after buying my first jacket more or less blind as I knew nothing and poured over every page of this thread as there's som much info and some really knowlegeable people on here - I have learned so much - but so much still to learn!!

Here's a few picks of my 1940 Wareings jacket which I've managed to wear out and about for the first time this weekend after a bit of a cold snap in the UK.

 

[Stevo]

Thank you for the response. That is a fantastic looking jacket!

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Hi Stevo and welcome - that's a fabulous looking jacket you've got yourself there! Not easy to find in a large size either. I would chance my arm and say it looks like it could be a Wareings jacket by the belt loops and the collar hoops - very similar to mine as below. Possibly made around 1940? Although it has a four panel front and Lightning main zip I don't think this was uncommon at the earlier part of the war when there was a tranisition period from the the two peice to four peice jackets. Andrew will proably be along soon and give you a difinitive answer.

Definately go for Peckards - it will transform the jacket, but apply sparingly. It has truly done wonders for my jackets! There is a wealth of info in this thread. Like you I had always had a fascinating for Irvin jackets since I was young and it's only a few years ago that I bought one and began to find out about these jackets which has since become a bit of an obsession. I chanced up this forum after buying my first jacket more or less blind as I knew nothing and poured over every page of this thread as there's som much info and some really knowlegeable people on here - I have learned so much - but so much still to learn!!

Here's a few picks of my 1940 Wareings jacket which I've managed to wear out and about for the first time this weekend after a bit of a cold snap in the UK.

Good advice there and great looking jacket, are you wearing a submariner/raf wool rollneck with it as well? (The dog seems to be impressed too)

 

[Sloan1874]

I think Andrew has stepped back from posting on the FL and VLJ. You'd be better seeking him out on the Irvin Flying Jackets 'collectors and enthusiasts' Facebook group.

 

[Paulgo253]

Good advice there and great looking jacket, are you wearing a submariner/raf wool rollneck with it as well? (The dog seems to be impressed too)

Cheers Steve - yes I also got a chance to dig out my subs so couldnt resist! That's one of the Picks - mid 60's one I think. Can't take a photo without getting a dog in the shot - we have 7!! A lot of tramping about in fields which is where the Irvin / submariner combination is very handy once winter sets in!

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Cheers Steve - yes I also got a chance to dig out my subs so couldnt resist! That's one of the Picks - mid 60's one I think. Can't take a photo without getting a dog in the shot - we have 7!! A lot of tramping about in fields which is where the Irvin / submariner combination is very handy once winter sets in!

Agreed.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

I Noticed there was a Pick & Sons Sub Mariner Roll Neck Jersey on a well known auction site yesterday for about
GBP £ 69.00. Says it is size 2 in very good condition, made in 1985.

 

[Paulgo253]

I Noticed there was a Pick & Sons Sub Mariner Roll Neck Jersey on a well known auction site yesterday for about
GBP £ 69.00. Says it is size 2 in very good condition, made in 1985.

That's looks nice... I have a size 1 unissued Pick bit not a Size 2. tempted!!

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

That's looks nice... I have a size 1 unissued Pick bit not a Size 2. tempted!!

Don't leave it too long, otherwise it may be gone.