ALL ORIGINAL Irvin RAF type Jackets - Loving that Wolf in sheeps' clothing!

[Paulgo253]

Well done Paul and it looks great on you. Unfortunately you've probably started on a fearsome addiction, namely the search for the perfect Irvin!

Welcome btw,

Tim

Thanks Tim - there's some truly fascinating info tucked away in these posts and some wonderful jackets. For now tho, I'm more than happy with the Irvin I've got... but you're right about the addiction!!

 

[aswatland]

Welcome to the world of Irvin collecting! Your jacket dates from 1941-3. The long pile fleece was commonly used at that time in the War. Your jacket appears to a Links made Irvin. I would recommend conditioning the leather with Pecards Antique Leather Dressing.

 

[Paulgo253]

Your jacket dates from 1941-3. The long pile fleece was commonly used at that time in the War. Your jacket appears to a Links made Irvin. I would recommend conditioning the leather with Pecards Antique Leather Dressing.

Thanks for r the info - that's brilliant ☺ is there anywhere I find out about Links as this sort of info fascinates me! The jacket had had two coates of Pecards - would you recommend more? I wasn't sure being a novice and didn't want to overdo it! Thanks again

 

[aswatland]

Two coats should be plenty for the time being. There is not much out there about Links. I have done some research though. The firm was part of Calman Links the furriers. They were based in London, along with DGL and Robinson and Ensum. Links was one of the most prolific makers from 1939, when the Air Ministry awarded them with their first contract through to the end of the war. Their jackets have certain "house" characteristics which are found on most of their jackets.

 

[Paulgo253]

Two coats should be plenty for the time being. There is not much out there about Links. I have done some research though. The firm was part of Calman Links the furriers. They were based in London, along with DGL and Robinson and Ensum. Links was one of the most prolific makers from 1939, when the Air Ministry awarded them with their first contract through to the end of the war. Their jackets have certain "house" characteristics which are found on most of their jacket.

Thanks Andrew fascinating stuff. I'll also have anothet look at your recent post showing your fabulously reconditioned Links jacket which looks to be the same size as mine and what it would've looked like had it survived in better / more original condition .

 

[aswatland]

Links jackets usually has slightly rounded collar ends, medium sized belt loops, small collar rings and bare metal eyelets on the belt and on the underarm vents.

 

[Paulgo253]

Links jackets usually has slightly rounded collar ends, medium sized belt loops, small collar rings and bare metal eyelets on the belt and on the underarm vents.

Thats interesting to know. Here's one of the underarm vents. Its got a rather odd patern to the rivets

The belt is not original to the jacket but looks like a Links belt maybe?

Thanks

 

[aswatland]

The belt certainly looks like a Links one. Not all links jackets had plain metal vent rings.

 

[RapidReaper]

So, I've been reading this thread forever but haven't posted yet. I have a couple of Irvins that might be of interest, one of which I can't for the life of me make out which firm made it.

The easily recognizable early IAC has a few cool features- the restorer of this jacket, a fellow from the UK who picked it up at a house sale, made some quality repairs- he evidently bought a RiRi zipper from Eastman (back before they stopped selling parts) which is a tad too short for the jacket. Perhaps it was the only spare zipper they had laying around.

He also had his local leather-smith repair a sleeve with a beautiful bit of leather, sewn on expertly. This jacket also sports DOT single trunion zippers, one of which features white zippers tape. On the back of the jacket are a the remains of some painted on letters, only the M being readily visible.

The other mid-war jacket is the mystery Irvin. At one point the collar was rebuilt and (much) later Lightning sleeve zips installed. The collar strap is short, skinny and shows heavy wear. The label is there, much of the sizing info. still readable but the rest not so much. Any help ID'ing this one would be greatly appreciated. i'd like to sell it if anyone's interested. It's as solid as a tank.

The first pic includes another typical early IAC (it's the one on top of the repaired one) in very good condition with the exception of some missing zipper teeth. This one I wore fairly regularly until I replaced it with an Eastman and one of Jon Wainwright's Irvins.

Sorry for the pics being jumbled, I'm trying to muiti-task on a rainy day.

 

[aswatland]

Thanks for posting pictures of your Irvins. The one with the replaced Riri zip is certainly the Work of IAC and would date to the years 1938-9. It really needs a correct full length Dot zip. The mid War jacket was originally a Coastal Command Irvin as the 4633 contract, which was awarded to DGL, was for hooded jackets. As you say the collar has been replaced. It needs the correct collar rings, not the D-shaped ones fitted to it. Good luck with the sale.

 

[Paulgo253]

Just to round off my earlier post, I managed to get a slightly better pic of my jacket being worn when out dog walking this weekend - with one of our border collies Bo getting in on the act! How do Irvin's of this age handle getting wet btw (I've only ever worn mine in dry conditions!)

 

[Doctor Damage]

^ great photo... you look cold, but the dog looks warm - there's no substitute for a natural fur coat, lol

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(click for larger)
apologies if posted already

 

[RapidReaper]

Thanks for posting pictures of your Irvins. The one with the replaced Riri zip is certainly the Work of IAC and would date to the years 1938-9. It really needs a correct full length Dot zip. The mid War jacket was originally a Coastal Command Irvin as the 4633 contract, which was awarded to DGL, was for hooded jackets. As you say the collar has been replaced. It needs the correct collar rings, not the D-shaped ones fitted to it. Good luck with the sale.

Many thanks for the info.. None of these jackets get worn nowadays so if I was able to find a solid , properly sized original Dot (Simon @ wwiijackets ? ) I'd be more inclined to install it on one of my favorite repros. Cheers

 

[aswatland]

Many thanks for the info.. None of these jackets get worn nowadays so if I was able to find a solid , properly sized original Dot (Simon @ wwiijackets ? ) I'd be more inclined to install it on one of my favorite repros. Cheers

You could indeed do that. I would advise caution doing so as original zips will not be as robust as most repro ones. However by installing an original Dot zip in a Wartime Irvin you will be increasing its value and adding to the authenticity of the jacket.

 

[Paulgo253]

^ great photo... you look cold, but the dog looks warm

Thanks - as is your photo! I was actually quite toasty! The fabled Irvin warmth is something I'm enjoying on increasingly cold walks with the mutts!

 

[RapidReaper]

You could indeed do that. I would advise caution doing so as original zips will not be as robust as most repro ones. However by installing an original Dot zip in a Wartime Irvin you will be increasing its value and adding to the authenticity of the jacket.

I'll never sell any of my earlier jackets anyhow. The different mods done to that one over the years make it more intriguing for me really. Now that you've enlightened me on my D.L.G. I'll be keeping it too. Sort of fun to think it was formerly a Coastal Command jacket and someone took the time (and had the love for it) to convert it.

 

[Paulgo253]

As a novice anxious to learn about the care and upkeep of my Irvin, can I ask for some opinions on how to know when a jacket could benefit from some Pecards? Mine has had two coats when being restored a few month back but I'm a little worried that being in a centrally heated house might be drying the jacket out slightly, in which case a light top-up might be in order. Mine has nothing really left of the original finish, just a wonderfully aged patina (to me anyhow!) to the outer sheepskin which might be a factor to consider also. I read not to put to much on, so I don't want to over do it!

 

[Sloan1874]

I'd be very wary of overdoing the Pecards. Too much, and it'll become greasy mess that will never dry out.

 

[Paulgo253]

Thanks - that was my fear so I'll leave it for a while! What's best to maintain the zips, particularly the sleeves that don't get a lot of use? Mine are brass dot zips and I thought to rub a little petroleum wax on the teeth?

 

[aswatland]

Candle wax works well on zips, but use it sparingly as with Pecards on the leather!