Rare Original 1950s RAF MK1 Ventile Cold Weather Flying Trousers

A rare pair of original RAF MK1 Coldweather Flying Trousers made in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

This pattern of trousers were issued to be worn with the MK1 cold weather flying jacket which is often referred to as the Ventile Smock today. They are made from a grey coloured ventile cotton which is typical of the 1950s and early 1960s and was replaced with green later in the decade. The trousers are cut with a high rise waist and a wide leg and feature a brass 'Lightning' branded zipper as is often employed on military clothing produced in this period. Pockets are located towards the bottom of each leg and feature the same style of pockets encountered on other 1950s British military garments including the ventile smock and the cold weather parka. The moth of the pocket is extended with a piece of material which is strengthened with lines of stitching. This folds back on itself underneath the main flap. The original white drawstrings are still present to each cuff whilst the front of the trousers feature twin pleats to the top and slash pockets to each side seam.

Inside the trousers the original label is still present and is bright and legible. It bears the simple title of 'Trousers' below which is the size of 3. Details pertaining to size are also included as is a contract number and the War Department broad arrow marking. The numbers '163' have been added in blue ink and could related to the owner's serial number.

The trousers come complete with their original braces which are often missing. These are elasticated and have metal adjusts. They fit onto three leather loops on the trousers with hooks which is why they are often missing from trousers today. The original stamp with 22c number is still present although very worn leaving it mostly illegible. 

The trousers are designed to fit a 28" - 32" waist but will fit larger as they were designed as an over trouser. When laid flat they measure - 

Waist - 17 1/2"
Rise - 15"
Rear rise - 17 1/2"
Inside leg - 27"
Outside leg - 40 1/2"
Cuff - 9 1/2"

The trousers are in good condition with some signs of wear and use. They display well and are still very wearable but do have some limited staining etc. There is also a small repair to the leg which has been done using matching grey ventile cotton as illustrated in picture 8. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-worn item which may have flaws commensurate with age. 

A very nice pair of this hard to find pattern of jet-age trousers which have a good clear label.