Spitfire
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,078
- Location
- Copenhagen, Denmark.
Two very nice early Irvins as well...
-
The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.
IRVIN NUTS?...the ULTIMATE thread for those who love 'em!
- Thread starter PADDY
- Start date
- Status
SamMarlowPI
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Minnesota
Spitfire said:
Yep, thanks Spit, got them on my favorites. along with Aero, Eastman and Aviation leathercrafts...the funds to purchase one or a few of these is still in the process of being made...thanks Spit
and for the dating, from my very little research, i'm going with pre-war, maybe mid-30's...
SamMarlowPI
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Minnesota
boy oh boy, US Wings has NOT done their research...look at their version of the IRVIN:
and to think they claim it's just what the RAF wore...i like their other jackets for beaters, but this is bad...
and to think they claim it's just what the RAF wore...i like their other jackets for beaters, but this is bad...
Spitfire
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,078
- Location
- Copenhagen, Denmark.
SamMarlowPI
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Minnesota
took the look right off my face, Spit...
i wrote them a tasteful and diplomatic email complaining about and criticizing their design...
i wrote them a tasteful and diplomatic email complaining about and criticizing their design...
aswatland
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,338
- Location
- Kent, England
It would look much better without the pockets, a correct collar strap and a white linen label.
SamMarlowPI
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Minnesota
aswatland said:
yep those are the main problems...
waist strap could be lower too...
SamMarlowPI
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Minnesota
i borrowed Lever's photograph to ask a question
strap across the back of the collar is to keep it up right? kind of a dumb question but i want to be sure...
strap across the back of the collar is to keep it up right? kind of a dumb question but i want to be sure...
aswatland
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,338
- Location
- Kent, England
Yes it was pulled over the head to keep the collar up right in a slip stream etc... The elastic strap was actually designed for pilots and navigators in open-cockpit biplanes. It was no longer incorporated in Irvins from 1944 onwards.
SamMarlowPI
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Minnesota
thank you
Alan Eardley
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,500
- Location
- Midlands, UK
aswatland said:
It's called the 'Erection Strap'. Just thought I should mention that. How many search engines have just found this posting?
Alan
Alan Eardley
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,500
- Location
- Midlands, UK
SamMarlowPI said:boy oh boy, US Wings has NOT done their research...look at their version of the IRVIN:
and to think they claim it's just what the RAF wore...i like their other jackets for beaters, but this is bad...
Now you know how I feel about the 'Gurkha shorts', 'submariner's sweaters,' 'Royal Navy duffle coats' etc. etc...
Alan
Featured products
-
Gustin Vintage Heavyweight Sweatshirt - Natural Rainbow Nep - $119 Rugged 14oz cotton that gets better with every wear. -
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - #395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. -
Himel Bros. - The Ross Mk. 1 Leather Jacket Classic D-pocket motorcycle/aviator style jacket.
Spitfire
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,078
- Location
- Copenhagen, Denmark.
And the answere is...
C'mon Andrew, when is the Irvin from?
C'mon Andrew, when is the Irvin from?
aswatland
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,338
- Location
- Kent, England
Ok. Thanks everyone for your contributions. The 2 panel construction is typical of Irvins up to 1940/41. The wider than normal belt is typical of early to mid '30s Irvins. The Dot Deco sleeve zips are usually seen on jackets from the mid 1930s. However they could be deadstock fitted later. The Dot British main zip was used up to 1939, but when first used we do not know, perhaps mid '30s. The mottled zip tapes are also typical of some pre-war Irvins. The close pile fleece is typical of pre-war jackets.
Even if if the jacket had it's original label it would not give a conclusive date, only the date of the contract, which was not necessarily the date of manufacture.
Taking all the above into account and comparing it with other Irvins in my collection, or which I have owned I would date the jacket to the period 1935-8.
As to maker, there are only two known pre-War makers, Irvin Air Chute (IAC)and Wareing and Co. Wareing's jackets have "house" features from 1935 onwards: Wide belt loops and over large collar rings.
This jacket has small collar rings and narrower belt loops typical of Irvin Air Chute. The leather tape construction is very similar to my early 30s jacket which was definitely made by IAC as it retains its label. IAC was the most likely maker.
Even if if the jacket had it's original label it would not give a conclusive date, only the date of the contract, which was not necessarily the date of manufacture.
Taking all the above into account and comparing it with other Irvins in my collection, or which I have owned I would date the jacket to the period 1935-8.
As to maker, there are only two known pre-War makers, Irvin Air Chute (IAC)and Wareing and Co. Wareing's jackets have "house" features from 1935 onwards: Wide belt loops and over large collar rings.
This jacket has small collar rings and narrower belt loops typical of Irvin Air Chute. The leather tape construction is very similar to my early 30s jacket which was definitely made by IAC as it retains its label. IAC was the most likely maker.
sabreace22
New in Town
- Messages
- 2
- Location
- Connecticut
Is it salvagable?
Evening guys, first time poster here. I stumbled across this great forum while investigating options for getting my grandfather's late war Irvin repaired. I inherited it a few years ago when he passed, and it has been sitting around since. Unfortunately its not in the best shape, but I'm hoping to get your opinions on whether it can be saved. On a side note, I'm wondering if anyone knows where to get a repro '44 Irvin like this (I know eastman just had some up, and I missed it (and I would have shunted my new computer money towards it).
Anyways here are the pics:
Thanks in advance.
Evening guys, first time poster here. I stumbled across this great forum while investigating options for getting my grandfather's late war Irvin repaired. I inherited it a few years ago when he passed, and it has been sitting around since. Unfortunately its not in the best shape, but I'm hoping to get your opinions on whether it can be saved. On a side note, I'm wondering if anyone knows where to get a repro '44 Irvin like this (I know eastman just had some up, and I missed it (and I would have shunted my new computer money towards it).
Anyways here are the pics:
Thanks in advance.
aswatland
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,338
- Location
- Kent, England
Welcome to the forum. Your grandfather's late War Irvin can certainly be restored. I would suggest replacing the two ripped sheepskin panels and giving the coat a good feed with Pecards Antique leather dressing. You will need to find a source of sheepskin. I usually use wrecked jackets as donors! However, you could send it to Aero Leather Clothing in Scotland and they will restore it for you. Good luck with it.
Mike1973
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 445
- Location
- Gateway to the World, Southampton!
Hello and welcome Sabre. Am I right in assuming there may be a link between your avatar and this Irvin...?
Nice to see a jacket still in the family :eusa_clap
Nice to see a jacket still in the family :eusa_clap
SamMarlowPI
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Minnesota
whoa that baby sure got a lot of use, eh Sabre? that is so neat!! bet the old man was clippin' Huns left and right whilst wearing that sucker...what a treasure...definitely get her repaired! cheers
- Status
Similar threads
