WW1 Original RFC RAF Sheepskin Lined Leather Jerkin

An original Great War period sheepskin lined leather jerkin in well worn condition.

A scarce original Great War period Royal Flying Corps leather jerkin recovered some years ago from Doullens, France.

This pattern of Leather Jerkin was introduced in the latter part of the Great War with a handful of RFC labelled examples surviving today. Whilst this jacket does retain some of its label it is in a very worn condition, as in it’s definitely a Barn Find.

The leather jerkin is made from a tan coloured leather and is lined with a grey-white wool shirting material. It features a double breasted closure, as was common with RFC items which were designed for maximum warmth when flying at altitude in an open cockpit. The coat fastens with one cord and a leather strap to the top R/H side of which are passed a wooden toggle, the lower of which is attached to a length of cord. There is one more length of cord inside the jacket which feature wooden toggle to fasten them, and one leather strap fastener still present.  There is the remains of a label to the bottom of the R/H/ side base of the coat, in green, which says something.. Corps of which is still legible.

There are no missing toggles to the Jerkin, the jacket is far from good condition, but the leather outside is still supple and in good order considering its age.  Whilst the inside is showing its signs of age , the wool liner is in poor condition,  it has not been stored in the best place, it displays well. The stitching appears to be strong.

A Very rare piece of vintage flying clothing , as these never normally come up and as they made very few which would make a fine addition to any collection.

La Bellevue Aerodrome to the east of Doullens opened in February 1916 and was at various times until May 1919, home to 2, 8, 11, 32, 35, 49, 59, 60,62,73,80 Squadrons.