ALL ORIGINAL Irvin RAF type Jackets - Loving that Wolf in sheeps' clothing!

[Spitfire]

thanks for sharing, Andrew. Great information - as always!

 

[irvinmad]

Hi Andrew, I have noticed some of you're interesting and informative posts on the Irvin Jacket... As the Irvin thread has now closed, where is the best place to find out detailed information on these jackets such as types of zips and fasteners etc? I am just looking for accurate information on which manufacturer used what types of zips etc? if you could help?

 

[aswatland]

Hi Andrew, I have noticed some of you're interesting and informative posts on the Irvin Jacket... As the Irvin thread has now closed, where is the best place to find out detailed information on these jackets such as types of zips and fasteners etc? I am just looking for accurate information on which manufacturer used what types of zips etc? if you could help?

Welcome to the forum. There were really only four makes of zip used by Wartime Irvin makers-Dot, Lightning, "N" and FF.Ltd. The last two types were only used as sleeve zips from 1943 onwards. All makers used the various varieties of Dot zips. Lightning zips were first on Irvins from late 1939 by Wareings and were used by all makers in subsequent years. The earliest IAC jackets from 1932-3 only had Dot single trunnion zips. These were used from 1932 until the end of the War. The cast zips were later, dating from the later 1930s. The nickel-plated unmarked Dot zips were used mainly from 1938-40. I hope this helps.

If you plough through this and the lengthy closed Irvin thread you should find examples of all these zips and other details about the jackets and trousers.

 

[Spitfire]

Andrew - are you saying that Wareings used Lightning zips from 1939 as the main zip too - or only at the arms. Bit confused here

 

[aswatland]

Wareings used Lightning zips on some of their 1939 contract Irvins only for sleeve zips.

 

[Spitfire]

Thanx - when is your book on Irvins hitting the streets?

 

[aswatland]

Thanx - when is your book on Irvins hitting the streets?

All in good time.

 

[shadowrider]

I think I read somewhere - don't remember where - that some Irvins had a tool pouch on the inside, in spite of pockets. Is there anything factual about this, or am I just imagining things?

 

[aswatland]

It would have been a theatre addition, not a factory fitted pocket as Irvin jackets never had pockets.

 

[Otter]

All in good time.

Realy? You should think about it, after all books on US gear sell well, maybe not just Irvins but related gear as well.

 

[aswatland]

I'm not sure what you mean think about it? The book will be on Irvins. There is plenty of material for a decent book and lots of interest from people.

 

[Otter]

When does it come out, I will sign up for a copy, I must have missed you were doing this!

 

[Dr H]

Don't hold your breath! I've been pressing Andrew for the answer to this one for at least a couple of years... ;-)

 

[aswatland]

Ian is right. I'm still at the research stage with no timescale for publication yet.

 

[Dr H]

Typical academic! Sounds like my project on Voysey's decorative designs!

 

[Spitfire]

Realy? You should think about it, after all books on US gear sell well, maybe not just Irvins but related gear as well.

Have you checked these two out?

Quite good actually.

 

[Otter]

Must look for those, TYVM.

 

[Dr H]

While both books are good for a range of items of clothing and equipment, they are poor in their coverage of Irvins.

 

[Spitfire]

Exactly. And that's why we are several, who looks forward to Andrew's book - when the research stage is over. Of course!

 

[Dr H]

Quite... ;-)