If I was a half decent cartoonist I could get a lot of mileage from the image that conjures up.
I see, thanks Andrew.
True, not great images, but well enough to have convince me to pull the trigger.
I really like the pattern of the panels on the accompanying Links jacket.
The more vertically configured chest panel elongates the jacket and looks more balanced IMHO.
Not the rarest jacket maker I know, but I particularly like the Links pattern, length of fleece and rounded collar shape.
I think this Links jacket is a size 38 or 40 if the seller's measurements are accurate. If you were to breathe in Ian you might just be able to squeeze into it!
I don't have it in hand, but it'll be stored flat under a bed when it arrives.
Hello to everyone as this is my first post - hopefully in the right place! I have recently bought my first Irvin and must admit to becoming a little obsessed these jackets and their history, trying to soak up as much information and details as I can. Not an easy task I’m discovering, due to many and various factors affecting production before and during the war – so very thankful for all the knowledgeable people around!
Here's a few (rather poor) pics
Not really sure why I’ve been so bitten by the Irvin bug. I’ve always wanted a flyting jacket and a few months ago (at which point I’d not even heard of Irvin!) started looking at different types of repros of varying quality and price and very quickly realised that what I wanted was the real thing! My late uncle was in the RAF, which possibly has something to do with it all, although he was prevented from flying due to a motorcycle accident when he was 16. He was seriously injured and had a plate in his skull, something he hid when he joined up.
My grandmother, knowing flying with that type of head injury could be as lethal when flying as anything the Luftwaffe could through at him, promptly told his superiors. He was devastated but spent the war as an MP stationed in the RAF base at Reykjavik. I know from my mother than he had an Irvin and she remembers him wearing flying boots too – how I wish I knew where his jacket went! Sadly, I’m sure it was lost long ago.
Mine is not the best example you will ever see, but I absolutely love it! Sadly, there’s no surviving label or provenience with mine. All I know is it was owned by the landlord of a midlands period fashion shop, who’s father bought it at auction in the mid 70’s and used it for a time as a motorcycle jacket. It had been well looked after, however, and I think stored away for a while before being put up for sale in the shop. When I bought it the main zip was broken with missing teeth on one side, and the zip runner was missing, as were the zip pulls on both sleeves. It had also lost it’s belt somewhere along the way. The leather itself, although in need of conditioning, was very sound with only a small, good quality repair along one of the under-sleeve seams that’s not actually visible when wearing.
I sent it away for some magnificent restoration work by Simon Swaffield of WWII Jackets. From being a ‘little poorly’, the jacket has come up I think very well indeed and I am told better than he expected. The main zip and the sleeve zip pulls were replaced and he fitted a period replacement belt and hanging chain. He also re-trimmed the collar as it had a few bald patches and re-stitched the seams that needed attention. The collar fastening strap had been cut short, so this was also replaced. Two dressing of Pecards were applied which has completely transformed the leather. It’s got a wonderful aged look to it that I just love. From the little that remains of the original finish, It looks as if the lower panels were slightly reddish in colour to the browner upper panels,
Fortunately for me, it’s a generous size. I’m a 42/43” chest and it fits me fine, nice and snug. I think it’s a size 6 as the original zip measures 22.5” (I believe for size 7 and 8 the man zip is 23.5 inches). The fleece has a lovely shaggy pelt that I personally much prefer to the close cropped type and is in great condition. It had a bit of an attic aroma to it but a few days in the fresh air and sun has worked wonders.
The original main zip was of the ‘bucket’ seat type at the bottom, tho not stamped. With the zip pull/slider missing there’s nothing to be gleaned in that respect and likewise the sleeve zip pulls (I’m trying to find out more about the various types and production usage of Irvin zips). Simon has used original and correct replacements throughout, although the main zip has most probably come from flying trousers, as the end stops are different at the neck.
Other than that it’s identical to the original, which I still have along with the original collar fleece. I will probably need to replace at least one side of one of the sleeve zips soon. It came with a small nick in the fabric about an inch or so from the sleeve which has developed into a slight tear in the webbing under the teeth. The zip is still quite serviceable to this point, so not a massive issue, but it would be nice to zip it up fully, as I can on the other side.
There no label to go on, but I think this is an early 40’s Wareings jacket, judging by the squarish collar, large collar rings and the belt loops – but I would be grateful for some expert analysis, including how common the shaggy style fleece is. I’ve seen Links jackets that look very similar to mine. Also the best suggestion for care and maintenance, especially giving the fleece a gentle clean, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Paul
