IRVIN NUTS?...the ULTIMATE thread for those who love 'em!

[Baron Kurtz]

That's a beauty. V. similar to one i just picked up. It looks like the panels i have will match quite nicely as re: outer colour, shearling colour and length so we're probably in business.

bk

 

[ethanedwards]

First time I've seen a size 7, it's in wonderful shape - bags of character, and still with it's collar strap, label and hanging chain. A great Irvin! How's the fit? Here's the label from my size 6 - looks like they might have something in common?

 

[SKIDS]

Its fits really nice, just a fraction to long in the arms, but thats no bother. First Irvin I have owned and I am glad I got it. Wasn't to expensive either!

The labels are very similar.

Any idea on what the code at the bottom means? I presume it is the info for where it was made etc? I am new to this Irvin thing.

I would like to find out as much as I can, anyone help?

 

[ethanedwards]

Skids, this may well be a red herring, but I was told that the sleeves on Irvins are usually a bit long so as to maintain coverage when the crew were in the aircraft and extending their arms to hold the control column, gun triggers etc.
Be pleased for anyone to hole that one below the waterline if it's BS.

As for what those numbers mean - this kind of info seems very hard to come by, but hopefully one of the Andrews could at least tell you who made your jacket. The pre-war ones used to give place of manufacture on the label but I believe this practice was stopped to avoid giving information to the enemy. (Another red herring?)

 

[aswatland]

Is there any way of dating it?

This is a 1940 contract Irvin from Links. I have a similar one from 1940 with a two piece front and a 4 piece back. The sleeves do not have horizontal seams. Mine has lightning zips, without the AM stamp. All Links Irvins have a rounded collar ends as opposed to the square ones found on IAC and Wareings jackets. Very nice size 7 jacket BTW.

 

[SKIDS]

This is a 1940 contract Irvin from Links. I have a similar one from 1940 with a two piece front and a 4 piece back. The sleeves do not have horizontal seams. Mine has lightning zips, without the AM stamp. All Links Irvins have a rounded collar ends as opposed to the square ones found on IAC and Wareings jackets. Very nice size 7 jacket BTW.

Thanks for the info aswatland, its good to know these things. My jacket has DOT zips on the arms (with AM stamp), the main zip has no puller but works fine.

Are there any books you could recommend or websites of information. Would love to find out more about Irvins. Someone has told me to try and get a copy of "Luftwaffe vs. RAF Flying Clothing of the Air War 1939-45"

 

[Spitfire]

That's a good book - but not so much about Irvins as one would hope.
We all just have to wait till Andrew starts writing that book.

 

[jamespibworth@n]

Eastman and Aero Irvin comparison

My new 42 pattern ELC Irvin arrived today so I have taken some comparison pictures with my Aero Irvin.

Although the Aero is the Pre-war pattern and the ELC a 42 pattern they are both almost exactly the same colour, except the fleece of course.

The Aero is the ‘real deal’ and the ELC the ‘vintage finish’.

They are both a 42 reg..

The ELC pics are on the left.











The ELC is noticeably lighter in weight and the hide soft and pliable, it is much more comfortable to wear.

The Aero has thicker hide and a much deeper fleece so it is a warmer jacket than the ELC.

I think the ELC is closer to the original pattern and detailing especially in the cut of the sleeves, they are much wider and more tapered. I have noticed that they use different waist strap lengths, the ELC is almost too short and the Aero strap is again much thicker.

Overall the ELC is a more accurate representation of the Irvin but the Aero is easily as well made, tougher and warmer.


Hope it stays cold in England!!

James.

 

[Smithy]

Thanks for posting those James, they'll be good reference for those tossing up between the two.

Is it just me or is there something about the Aero collar which is odd? It's the shape and/or size which just doesn't look quite right.

I'm with you, Eastman really have nailed the pattern. I love mine, could've done with it last night as it was unseasonally cold. Unfortunately it's languishing in a container on a ship at the moment

 

[jamespibworth@n]

Smithy,

I had the Aero made with a smaller collar so it won’t flap about as I intend to use it on my old motorbikes.

Well spotted!

I’m sure we have plenty of cold days to come.

James.

 

[Smithy]

That'll be it then James.

I can see that the smaller collar would be more useful when riding. They're both beauties.

You must have a few Irvins now. I remember you had an early Aviation Leathercraft one and was it an original as well?

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I notice the aero seems to use closer to "correct" colour thread for the stitching - the reddish brown thread i see on originals. The ELC thread seems too light; i dislike the effect as most evident on the belt pic.

Re: the arms on the ELC. What is the deal with the panels? They are unlike any Irvins i've seen. Almost like a B-3 - obviously without the horsehide stitched over the fleece. You see what i mean? The seam running from armpit to the edge of the arm in this picture, about 45 to 60 degrees to the vector of the shoulder seam?

bk

 

[Smithy]

Looks OK to me. Eastmans to my eyes are the closest to the shape and pattern of originals but that might just be me.

One of the Andrews will no doubt be able to say for sure though.

 

[aswatland]

Looks OK to me. Eastmans to my eyes are the closest to the shape and pattern of originals but that might just be me.

One of the Andrews will no doubt be able to say for sure though.

I like both jackets, which could pass for NOS originals. The rounded collar on the Aero is very similar to those found on Links Irvins, so it is quite authentic. The ELC Irvin is the more accurate and the sleeves have already been mentioned. I like the finish on the Aero. It's a real shame no one makes 100% accurate zips for Irvins. Now if only ELC could produce a DOT zip to the same standard as their Crown.... BTW both jackets fit you very well James.

 

[Hawk_Eye]

I notice the aero seems to use closer to "correct" colour thread for the stitching - the reddish brown thread i see on originals. The ELC thread seems too light; i dislike the effect as most evident on the belt pic.

Re: the arms on the ELC. What is the deal with the panels? They are unlike any Irvins i've seen. Almost like a B-3 - obviously without the horsehide stitched over the fleece. You see what i mean? The seam running from armpit to the edge of the arm in this picture, about 45 to 60 degrees to the vector of the shoulder seam?

bk

Kurtz, I dont see anything wrong with the panel line. There was such a massively wide variety of ways these jackets were put together throughout the war that just about any configuration of panels would most likely be accurate to one jacket or aother. I guess it just depends on what couple Irvins Eastman based their pattern on.

 

[jamespibworth@n]

You must have a few Irvins now. I remember you had an early Aviation Leathercraft one and was it an original as well?

Yes you are quite correct, I also have a 70s ALC and A mid 30s IAC.

I am so pleased with the Original Irvin, although it’s a bit fragile now it has such a patina! Real history!


Next will be a mid war Irvin. Shame that one on eBay was withdrawn. Perhaps I shall wait until the summer and hopefully the prices will be more favorable?

Anyway I need to save some money for a hair cut.

James

 

[PADDY]

BOOTY of an Irvin!! James.

Just so hard to beat that look that only a vintage RAF sheepskin can give you!!:eusa_clap

If you wanted to be daring James (actually not 'too' daring to be honest), you could get that hair cut and styled to a typical early 40's cut and grease it for that classical 'fly boy' look to go with the sheepskin

At the end of the day, it will always grow back again.

 

[jamespibworth@n]

Nice idea Paddy, I shall give it due consideration.

Not sure if my girlfriend would approve?

James

 

[dit dah]

What Price Glory Irvin?

Hi

Does anyone have any experience of the Irvin sold by What Price Glory? It's a very attractive price and looks great on the photo.

I'd email him and ask for more details but he appears to be rather a terrifying chap.

 

[Dieter]

While I don't own one of his Irvins, I can tell you from personal experience that his "bark is worse than his bite", to use an old saying. He's actually a rather nice person to do business with once you see past his facade of dry wit.