Scarce Original 1952 Dated RAF MK1 Cold Weather Flying Jacket - Windak

A scarce original 1952 Dated RAF MK1 Cold Weather Flying Jacket made by 'Windak'. 

Officially designated 'Overalls, Flying, Cold Weather, Jacket, Mk.1', This pattern of jacket was introduced in the very early 1950s as part of a new generation of flying clothing which was to replace the sheepskin items worn during the Second World War. The jacket is made from a grey coloured ventile cotton and is cut like a smock earning it the modern nickname 'Ventile Smock'. Ventile is a very tight weave cotton which was selected by the RAF due to its excellent windproof and waterproof qualities. They were originally designed to be worn with a matching set of overall trousers but were often worn as just a jacket by mountain rescue units amongst others. 

The jacket features a brass 'Lightning' branded zipper to the front which is typical of the period. It is a high quality example with leather tabs to the bottom and has a section of grey ventile cotton attached to the puller to make it easier to use when wearing gloves. There is an angled pocket to the chest and two more to the skirt of the jacket, both of which fasten with buttons. They also feature the extended section under the pocket flaps to help waterproof the pockets. This style is found on other British military garments of the period including the RAF 1951 Pattern Parka and the British Army Middle Parka. An integral waist belt is also present and fastens with a steel buckle which bears the patent number to the reverse. The smock also features a function cuff, epaulettes and a hood. The hood can be tightened with a white coloured drawstring which is secured with wooden toggles. 

The interior is lined with a khaki green coloured wool shirting material which is again typical of the period. It features a fish tail to the bottom which is fastened to the interior. This can be removed and fastened to the front after being passed through the wearer's legs helping secure the jacket in high winds and adverse weather. The original labels are present to the neck and are still bright and legible. The upper label is the maker's label which bears the RAF store reference of 1160 along with the size of 8 and the maker's name of 'Baxter, Woodhouse & Taylor'. Below this is the 1952 date and the War Department broad arrow marking. A second label is present below this which bears the 'Windak' name and typical period graphics and are the same as used in WW2. 

The smock is in good condition with some limited signs of wear and use. There is a small period repair to the front and some light staining including one to the left sleeve. Overall it displays well and is still very wearable but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing. 

A fantastic example of a rare and sought after RAF jacket which has a great label with the Windak name.