Original WW2 Irvin Flying Jacket by 'Links' - Size 3

A nice original late WW2 Irvin Flying Jacket made by 'Links' in 1944-45 which is a size 3. 

This original jacket was made as part of contract 10422 which ran through 1944 and 1945. It is of multi-panel construction and features Devon fleece to the body and a rounded collar shape which is a feature of this maker. The exterior of the jacket is a dark chestnut brown colour and only shows signs of age and use. The jacket is strong, supple and the polyacrylic coating is very good overall with areas of wear as illustrated in the pictures. All the metal work is still very bright with only very minor signs of age which add to the jackets extremely fresh look. The main zipper is a period 'Lightning' branded example with correct leather puller. It may be a period replacement and functions well although sometimes needs some help to close the teeth. One of the sleeve zips is missing its puller and has some stitches added to hold it in place. This is a period repair and is not uncommon to find on original flying jackets. The other sleeve zip is original and the brass puller features the Air Ministry AM and crown marking which is often encountered on this period of WW2 flying jacket. A metal chain hanging loop is present to the inside of the neck and each set of eight metal eyelets are present under each arm.

Inside the jacket the original label is still present and is still bright and legible. The War Department broad arrow and the size of 3 are present at the top of the label with the stores reference of 22C/319 and the contract number 10422 below this. The sizes are present and read Height 5' 7" - 5' 8", Chest 34/36" and waist 30-32".

The jacket will suit a 36" chest well and when laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 21 1/2"
Inside arm - 21"
Outside arm - 23 1/4"
Shoulders - 18 1/2"
Length - 24"

The jacket is in good condition on the whole and it displays well. It looks to be wearable with no serious flaws or defects. There is some crazing to the leather but all the stitch appears strong with no noticeable issues. The belt loop to the left of the buckle (as worn) has broken at some stage and been stitched back (picture 7). There is also wear to the sheepskin in a couple of places including the cuff which is again illustrated in the pictures. There are some teeth missing towards the top of the left hand side of the zipper although the jacket is not usually done up this far to allow the draft excluder flap to lay open as shown in the pictures. Please study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a vintage item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A nice late WW2 RAF flying jacket complete with its original label.