How warm are Irvins?
I'm under the impression that they'll roast you alive in anything less than subzero temperatures, but was wondering if anyone could confirm. How well do they work as a winter coat in somewhere like the UK?
Thanks.
R.A.F. Irvin Flying Coat - Full Length
Extremely rare original full length Irvin. Looks just like a standard jacket down to the belt but has a lower 'skirt' area with Irvin trouser style patch pockets to the front. However, do not be mislead into thinking this is an extended or modified jacket. There are no seams at waist level and the coat has clearly and deliberately made like this and with a full length front zip.
It physically measures approx. 46” so should be OK for around a 42” chest. The length of the coat is approx. 40" from the collar seam to the hem or 47" including the upright collar. The leather is generally in good condition retaining much of the original chromed finish. It has the usual wear and tear associated with most Irvin jackets and although a little dry to the touch it retains reasonably good flexibility. When we obtained the coat some of the leather seam bindings had been covered with newer wider pieces. These have been carefully removed and the original leather restitched. This does mean that there are stitch holes adjacent to the original bindings in places (see photos). There is also a small stitched repair to the back of the jacket and another small patch on the left cuff. The short dense fur lining has a few small areas of moulting here and there but nothing serious and is good overall. It retains original brass 'D-o-T' zips, the main complete with leather pull tag. Also complete with original belt, chain hanger, collar strap and rings plus eyelets to the rear of the collar for the elastic 'collar strap' (not present). No label nor any evidence of one. Almost certainly of late 1930s vintage this is a good example of the rare Irvin coat. It is the only example we have ever had but do know of two others that were found many years ago. Probably the only opportunity you will have to own one of these. Please view the additional photos listed separately for a clearer indication of condition
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I do not believe that I have seen an Irvin like this before here at ALL ORIGINAL Irvin RAF type Jackets
I have an electrically wired Irvin on Ebay at the moment if you are interested.
Guys,
I have a disaster on my hands. My much loved and occasionally worn Irvin trousers are useless at the moment because the runner on one of the leg zips no longer joins the teeth. Instead it the runner just runs ( slightly roughly ) down the leg without joining the teeth on either side of the zip.
Can anyone advise if there is a way to maintain the runner and return these brilliant trousers back to fully functional please ?
Thanks
Irvinsuit.:eeek:
It harps back to WW1 when long coat were extensively worn by pilots in the RFC.
It could well have been made for an open cockpit aviator, who might have served in the RFC in WW1. IAC supplied members of pre-war flying clubs and if the jacket was made like this in the factory, would not have been made under an Air Ministry contract.
It may well be Tim, but not one for me though!