Original Item: Only One Available. Development of protective flight uniforms and equipment began with the advent of military aircraft in WWI and continued on into the Weimar and the Third Reich eras, resulting in three distinct one-piece combination pattern flight suits being approved before WWII and worn for the duration of the war.

This leather flight jacket is in good condition but shows signs of heavy use and wear. The black finish is cracked and worn at some places. This example is a very high quality, German made private purchase, non-regulation, multi-panel chocolate black leather construction fully lined, waist length, flight jacket with a lay down collar. The jacket features a vertical, front, zipper closure by EWA. The jacket has two horizontal slash breast pockets with zippers as well as two waist pockets. These zippers are made by Modi. The sleeves have a zipper at the end and have a snap button around the cuff. Left breast features a metal silver Luftwaffe eagle. There is one button still stitched on the waist, the other one has unfortunately fallen off and can be found in the waist pocket below the Luftwaffe eagle.

It comes with the original leather flight helmet, which is in good condition and shows signs of use. The shearling wool on the inside is in great shape. The leather sweatband on the inside is in used condition. The leather chin strap is still there and is fully functional. On the top of the flight cap, there is one small button missing on the right side.

Regulations of July 4TH 1940 and April 24TH 1941 introduced two piece protective flight suits for fighter pilots designed to increase the wearer's mobility and not be as restrictive in the close confines of a cockpit. The two piece flight suits consist of separate jacket and pants and was commonly referred to as the "Kanalanzug", (Channel Uniform).

Officers and certain senior NCO’s were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and were allotted a clothing allowance. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots. Besides the standard issue flight garments Luftwaffe personnel also utilized a wide variety of private purchase leather jackets in contradiction of regulations. These private purchase jackets appear to have been quite popular as they can be commonly seen in period photographs.

Approximate Measurements:
Jacket                
Bust: 16”
Waist: 18”
Bottom Hem: 17”
Shoulder: 18”
Sleeve Length: 26”
Front Length: 21”
Back Length: 22”