Irvin Flying jacket

[jamie fowler]

Hi Folks, I’m after a bit of help, I’ve had an Irvin flying jacket for about 12 years and I’ve been trying to find out how old it is. It’s not WW2 age or anything near that and I’ve spoke to Irvin and they don’t keep records so they weren’t much help. The wear looks even through on the jacket so I don’t think it's fake and I've spoke to other people of forums and they think it could be late 70's earlt 80's.... Any help will be appreciated..

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[Roughwear]

Welcome to the forum. I will try and help you but you pictures do not appear. Please can you post a link for forums. Thanks.

This link should help you.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1291

 

[jamie fowler]

Hi Folks, I’m after a bit of help, I’ve had an Irvin flying jacket for about 12 years and I’ve been trying to find out how old it is. It’s not WW2 age or anything near that and I’ve spoke to Irvin and they don’t keep records so they weren’t much help. The wear looks even through on the jacket so I don’t think it's fake and I've spoke to other people of forums and they think it could be late 70's earlt 80's.... Any help will be appreciated.

Please check out my pictures @ 9411jamie - Google+

 

[Roughwear]

I have viewed your photos and its a 1970s Aviation Leather Craft Irvin style jacket with map pockets.

 

[jamie fowler]

Hi Andrew

Thank you, I was given this as a present from a freind and I've been trying to find out some info on it. Is it a genuin Irvin or is it a different company making the same style jackets..??

 

[Roughwear]

No it is not the original Wartime maker, Jamie. In the 1970s Simon Green of Aviation Leather Craft bought the Irvin Air Chute trade mark, along with some of the sewing machines they used at their Letchworth factory during the War. His early jackets were fairly close to original Irvins, but later versions normally had pockets and were made from a very thick fleece.

 

[jamie fowler]

Hi Andrew

Interesting and I guess it's still Aviation leather making the modern Irvin Flying jackets today?
If Simon Green started Aviation leather in 1977 would that make my jacket one of the early Aviation leather jackets...

 

[Roughwear]

Yes ALC still makes their version of the Irvin today. However there are others who make a more faithful Irvin jacket today, in particular, Aces High and Eastman Leather Clothing. They don't use the Irvin name as ALC hold the TM.

If you want to compare your jacket with the original Irvins there are several threads in the Vintage section.

 

[jamie fowler]

Hi Andrew

Thanks for all the info and I'll have a look at the old jackets..


jamie

 

[flyboy]

I have posted these before - but here are a couple of pics of my late fathers ALC Irvin from 1977.
I bought two Irvins direct from Simon Green back then. One for me and one for my father. His lasted the longest. I sold mine way back. Just to buy another one from a different maker. And another one from another maker. And another....but now I've got the right one. But that's a different story...
Just to compare, Jamie. (And welcome to the club)

 

[jamie fowler]

Hi Flyboy

Yes the one I have is just the same but with map pockets. I was give mine as a gift and I've always wanted to try and find out more info on it but wasn't having much look and it's Still a great jacket after 35+ years of use