Information wanted re 1930s flight suit.

[John Warr]

We have a 1 piece flight suit in for repair. It is in light-weight brown leather, deep brown shearling collar with a grey-ish fur fabric lining throughout the rest. It has a single label:

Air Associates Inc
Garden City, NY
Chicago Ill Glendale Cal.

Hanging chain, 5 x Talon zips, Ring snaps at neck, cuffs & ankle, button "storm flap" at the neck.

Anyone know anything about these ?

There is no military contract label. It is a very well made garment in very good condition except for the cuffs. And the inescapable fact that it is probably 80 years old and was only made of nappa anyway.


As an interesting aside, this suit is, as far as I can see, the same as the one worn by Katherine Hepburn towards the end of the 1933 film "Christopher Strong".

I'd just like to learn more & pass the info on to our customer.

 

[Talbot]

Slide over to the outerwear section - many knowledgeable flight jacket afficionado's there.

Sounds facsinating. Pics would be great.

 

[John Warr]

I will try & post pics when it comes down from the workshop. Do you know if there is a way to move the thread to "outerwear" ?

 

[Dr H]

Air Associates sold aviation gear (and other items) using a mail order supply house.
During the 1920s/30s, they were high profile, supplying flight apparel to Lindbergh and Earhart, amongst others. More details here (http://www.library.hbs.edu/hc/lehman/chrono.html?company=air_associates_inc).
I understand that they sold a civvy A-2 (bearing their own label) during the 30s.