Lot 187: A Pair of WWII RAF Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers
A pair of heavy-duty, sheepskin-lined brown leather flight trousers of the type worn by Royal Air Force aircrew during the Second World War. The trousers are constructed from thick sheepskin with a dark brown processed finish to the exterior, while the interior is fully lined with natural cream-coloured fleece. The design features full-length brass zippers running the length of the outer legs, intended for ease of wear over flight boots. Two large, rectangular map pockets are situated on the front of the thighs, each secured by a leather flap and a single metal press-stud. The waistband includes fabric loops for the attachment of braces. A small yellow stencilled character, appearing to be the letter T, is located on the lower right leg. There is a small white circular sticker on the right thigh pocket bearing the handwritten numbers 10 10. No manufacturer labels, Air Ministry stamps, or Broad Arrow markings are clearly legible in the provided images.
Condition report:
The leather exterior shows significant age-related wear, including widespread surface cracking and loss of the brown finish, particularly evident around the seams and on the map pockets (photo 1). The leather flap on the left-hand map pocket shows heavy creasing and darkening of the material (photo 1). The natural fleece lining remains present and largely intact, though there is visible thinning and wear at the exposed edges (photo 1). The brass zippers show surface oxidation and verdigris but appear structurally sound (photo 1). The leather remains flexible enough to be suspended, although the surface finish is fragile.
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