Description
You are bidding on an EXCELLENT used example of WW2 German Luftwaffe Electrical Heated Leder Sommer Fliegerjacke (Leather Summer Pilot Jacket), as used by many German fighter pilots! This was the last version made.
Development of protective flight uniforms began during WW1, and continued into WW2. What developed were a 1-piece flight suit (2 for winter 1 for summer), which in 1936 developed into an electrically heated flight suit. This suit consisted of a one-piece jacket/pant combination with separate gloves and socks. The flight suits contained built-in insulated heating elements which connected directly to the aircraft’s power supply. The early version was intended for cold weather flight, and was worn over the standard uniform. In July 1940, new regulations determined a 2-piece flight suit was to be manufactured. The 2-piece suit consisted of a separate jacket and pants, and was commonly referred to as the “channel jacket”.
This model is the last design made, and is the summer electrical version, produced around 1944.
Manufactured in GREY leather and purple fleece collar, this jacket is in VERY NICE combat-worn condition! Though it does show some wear and marks, the leather is still very soft and supple, with no rips or tears! It features a hidden 6-button front, and the late-war bakelite sleeve zippers are marked “Ri-Ri“. Both function as they should, but are a bit stiff. The glass and bakelite buttons are also original to this jacket, however one sleeve button is missing (easy to replace). The electrical sleeve connectors are also present, with one snap missing (does not detract). Again, this snap could easily be replaced). This has the original outline / stitching marks of the original machine-applied second pattern eagle, which was removed post-war. Completely lined in Blue and Grey Rayon, it features adjustable draw stings at the waist. Though this is a PERIOD correct lining, the internal electrical wiring was removed, along with the storm cuffs. This was probably done post-war to normal day to day wear. All that could easily be rectified if one wished to convert it back to a wartime configuration. Size appears to be a 1B (approx. a size 38/40), so it would fit anyone with a small/medium build. I have shown this exact jacket type in use in the last images. One of the rarer late-style examples, it would make a FANTASTIC addition to any collection or display!
