ALL REPRO R.A.F. Irvin type jackets

[Smithy]

Posted over at VLJ but thought I'd put a nods up here as I'm not around here much now...

You've got the bee's knees there mate! Absolutely bloody beautiful.

As I've said to you before, looking forward to sitting out in your garden again and having a few drams in our Irvins.

Godt jobba

 

[Spitfire]

You are welcome anytime cheers and tally ho!

 

[Spitfire]

As I was standing in the mess the other day...

And that's it, I suppose.

 

[Worf]

Hey Spitty... you're a handsome fella... when you smile. Spread the charm Budd, sport that shearling and a smile. Makes me feel better too! Great lookin' jacket.

Worf

 

[Dr H]

Good one to go out on Soren...see you on VLJF...

 

[alsendk]

[/IMG]

MERRY XMAS TO ALL OF YOU IRVIN ADDICTED FL MEMBERS
FROHE WEINACHTEN
ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ
С РОЖДЕСТВОМ
GLÆDELIG JUL

 

[karhu21]

Hyvää Joulua from Finland.

 

[karhu21]

Standing in the mess Soren?

Thats two large single malts..no ice!
Great jacket too!

 

[B-24J]

My Eastman '44 from Around 1997

This is my second hand Eastman Irvin 44 model. The previous owner, who I believe frequents the FL and VLJ, said it was purchased around 1997.
This is NOT the current model '44 in Devon Fleece.

I had been looking for a second hand Irvin for quite some time. The measurements were maddening as Eastman Irvin jackets seem to have a variance in fit depending on the year and fleece. I have that impression due to the range of measurements that the eBay sellers posted.

This Eastman was the right size. A 40" regular. Though my suit size is a 38" regular, I went by the measurements of my original Irvin and those suggested on the Eastman web site size calculator.

I purchased this Irvin as I liked the fleece and the condition is near new. The price was 730 USD including shipping which translates to around 450 GBP. Much better price than a new jacket.

The previous owner said he is using the proceeds to fund the purchase of an original A-2. So a good example of a win-win situation!

John

 

[Worf]

Hey B24-J - If I may be allowed to say... that's one stunning Jacket and it' fits you great. And I'm a big believer in "recycling the love". I got a used A1 that I love and have an Aero Irvin coming soon so I love the trend. But back to point... your jacket looks fabulous.

Worf

 

[Sloan1874]

I'm hanging fire for the new multi-panel Aero. Hadn been set on a BoB version, but I've seen the model it's based on, and changed my mind. I now just to save up for it...

 

[aswatland]

I'm hanging fire for the new multi-panel Aero. Hadn been set on a BoB version, but I've seen the model it's based on, and changed my mind. I now just to save up for it...

I hope the shape of the sleeves will have been sorted out by the time you have saved up your pennies!

 

[Sloan1874]

I hope the shape of the sleeves will have been sorted out by the time you have saved up your pennies!

Aero's sale pages have been carrying prototype new Irvins with deeper arms, so it would be a safe bet to say this would the case.

 

[aswatland]

I wouldn't count on it unless they have developed a new pattern.

 

[B-24J]

Hey B24-J - If I may be allowed to say... that's one stunning Jacket and it' fits you great. And I'm a big believer in "recycling the love". I got a used A1 that I love and have an Aero Irvin coming soon so I love the trend. But back to point... your jacket looks fabulous.

Worf

Thank's Worf. So, we're about to have another Yank in the RAF. You'll get some use out of the Irvin I'm sure. Can't wait to see the pics!

My best friend lived for a few years way north of you in Massena, NY. I wish I had had my RAF jacket back then when I visited in the winter. Come to think of it, I would have needed the trousers too.

John

 

[Sloan1874]

I wouldn't count on it unless they have developed a new pattern.

I'll keep you posted, but this is what the web site's description says: "RAF Battle Of Britain era Sheepskin Flying Jacket in a size 48" with deeper armholes than our current production model, also with longer arms cut with a taper to the cuff, these are based an the original 1945 model that'll be going into production in the new year."

Also, I notice there's a reference to use of "Irvin zippers"

 

[aswatland]

What exactly is a 1945 pattern jacket? Do they mean a multi-panelled jacket or a refurbished earlier one with a 1945 dated label sewn in it? BTW the jacket described on their website as a "Battle of Britain" jacket is nothing of the sort as it's made of the four panel construction which was typical of the years 1941-3, unless of course they are basing their jacket on four panel jackets from the early 1930s.

 

[Sloan1874]

I bow to your much superior knowledge, naturally, so I can't comment, but the late-WWII model I was shown was a multi-panel jacket.

 

[majormajor]

Hi Andrew

I admit that talking about the "Battle of Britain" and a "1945 pattern" seems slightly whimsical.

However, I think to split hairs, 70 years hence, between September 1940 and early 1941 is just a little pedantic.

If they are making an effort to produce an accurate jacket - and they appear to be trying, can't we wait until it appears before critiquing it?

 

[Worf]

Thank's Worf. So, we're about to have another Yank in the RAF. You'll get some use out of the Irvin I'm sure. Can't wait to see the pics!

My best friend lived for a few years way north of you in Massena, NY. I wish I had had my RAF jacket back then when I visited in the winter. Come to think of it, I would have needed the trousers too.

John

It was -3 here this morning I coulda used that sucka this morning trust me. I wore my trusty Gloverall Toggle instead, kept mah body warm but my cheeks (the upper ones you cretins) were freezing. As they said in "12:00 High" - "I hope they fit, I had to steal em from the RAF."

Worf