RARE 1930's PATTERN SIDCOT FLYING SUIT

This is super rare original Royal Air Force Sidcot Suit 1930 Patt. Dated 1938. With the fur collar and Air Ministary Label

Taking its name from its Australian inventor Sidney Cotton (SID COT not the town)  the original WW1 suits were produced by Robinson and Cleaver.  Entering into Service with British Flyer in 1917 these suits quickly started to replace the leather coats worn by flyers.  Cotton's experiences with high level and low-temperature flying led him to develop the revolutionary "Sidcot" suit.  A flying suit that solved the problem pilots had in keeping warm in the cockpit. 

Intended to be worn over the normal uniform , the 1930 pattern Sidcot suit evolved from the earlier patterns used towards the end of the First World War and became an all-purpose flying garment used throughout WW2. It provided added warmth with alternative linings that could be added by buttoning them in internally. The later version was the 1940 pattern, of similar cut, made of olive gabardine, improved again in 1942

The one I am selling is the rarer 1930's Patt. Dated 1938, and Air Ministry Label.

 It features a zip front, zips at the cuffs at both the ankles. This one is missing its interior Teddy Bear suit and its buttons have removed that held the teddy bear suit in place

The collar which be removed is fastened around the neck with buttons. whilst the lower portion of the neck piece fastens onto a button positioned below the collar, designed to stop as much air getting in as possible. The rear of the suit features a half belt which adjusts with a plain buckle.

Crucially, the Air Ministry sizing label is still present and in excellent condition.  There is an Air Ministry Stamp with no letter above or below

Stamped on the rear of a lapel is a stamp ' FP 3 39' This indicates it was issued in March 1939

There is a stamp of S.P.C and a couple of men's names.

The suit is in good condition considering it is over 80 years old and it certainly displays very well with only limited signs of service use, but some signs of age. The exterior is good with staining and some fading on the shoulders from use.   But no serious rips or tears . Apart from three small nicks 2 adjacent to outer righthand side pocket ( see photo's ) and bottom of the right leg

The suit is still very pliable and has not gone crispy as these sometimes do. All zips still work with no corosion.  And is still in wearable condition.  (Suitable for when flying your Spitfire, Wellington or Lancaster) No rust on the metal ventilation holes. 

A rare opportunity for the serious aviation collector to acquire an iconic piece of vintage flying clothing in good displayable and wearable condition. It would undoubtedly make a fantastic addition to any collection!