Original WW2 Irvin Flying Jacket by 'Links' - Size 4

 A nice original late WW2 Irvin Flying Jacket made by 'Links' in 1944-45 and in a size 4. 

This original jacket was made as part of contract 10422 which ran through 1944 and 1945. It is of multi-panel construction and features various types of fleece to the body and a rounded collar which is a feature of this maker. The exterior of the jacket is a beautiful chestnut brown colour and only shows limited signs of age and use. The jacket is strong, supple and the polyacrylic coating is very good overall. All the metal work is still very bright with only very minor signs of age which add to the jackets extremely fresh look. All the zips are original and function well with the main zip being a lightning brand example with the two sleeve zips being Air Ministry marked. All the zips retain their original leather pull tabs which are all held on with brass rivets. 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 just legible. The War Department broad arrow and the size of 4 are present to the top of the label with the stores reference of 22C/320 and the contract number 10422 below this. The sizes are present and whilst hard to read are Height 5' 8" - 5' 9", Chest 36/38" and waist 32-34".

The jacket will suit a 38" chest well and when laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 22"
Inside arm - 21"
Outside arm - 24 1/2"
Shoulders - 19"
Length - 25"

The jacket is in excellent condition on the whole and it displays very well. It looks to be very wearable with no serious flaws or defects. All the zips work well and the collar tab a metal D rings are still present and good. There is some crazing to the leather around the top of the back panels as shown in the pictures but this does not overly detract from the jacket. Please study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a vintage item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A very nice late WW2 RAF flying jacket in good wearable condition.