RAF 1941 PATTERN ‘SIDCOT’ FLYING SUIT, SIZE 3, 22C/775 - DFC HISTORY

SOLD
 
For sale is an RAF 1941 Pattern Electrically Heated ‘Sidcot’ Flying Suit, Size 3. 22C/775. The suit is sized: Height: 5’7-5’8; Breast: 34-36”; Waist: 30-32”; Seat: 36-38”.
 
As the photos indicate, the suit is complete, but in very worn condition. There are numerous period repairs that have been carried out across the garment, and it was clearly heavily used. All of the zips and buttons are complete (unusual for a suit showing this level of wear), but the main zip is a missing a number of teeth towards the top, and is split further down towards the bottom. This does not affect the operation of the zip for the majority of its length, so the suit can still be unzipped and dressed for display on a mannequin (should one wish). Curiously both sets of arm and ankle zips are perfect, and complete with early AM marked DOT Zips.
 
All of the heated channels are in place and complete, as are the Newey press studs to either hip and inside the map pocket.
 
The suit is complete with its original fur colour, and all the connecting buttons, though the fur shows signs of moth damage. Interestingly the collar is named to a "‘Moran’ - A434584". Some minimal research indicates this to be an RJ Moran who was a navigator with 550 squadron and won a DFC. I will let the buyer conduct further research.
 
Further evidence of wear: the left leg has been patched with period fabric towards the bottom. The right leg is worn through in a similar area, and could be repaired in a similar fashion, though this would be largely invisible if displayed with a pair of flying boots. All of the cuffs show various signs of fraying. The fabric is grubby in places, though still has a nice green colour to it. There a flecks of what could be paint, but this could be brushed off relatively easily. I have not attempted to clean it further, but I believe with minimal cleaning it could display even better than it does in my photos.
 
Despite the wear, the suit still displays superbly and has some fantastic history, worthy of further research. Priced at more than 50% of what good condition suits of this pattern are selling for.

More photos available upon request.