Pre-War Irvins are becoming rarer these days and those from the early 1930s are even rarer. The IAC patent dates to 1932 and at least one of the earliest jackets from 1932 did not have a waist belt, possibly a test jacket. By 1933 the Letchworth factory was turning out jackets which in many respects resemble mid War Irvins down to the four panel body construction. The iconic two panel construction associated with pre and early War jackets came a little later in the mid 1930s.
I have owned a 1933 four panel jacket for several years. The jacket had been well used, but retained all its original features, including the elastic strap.
However, a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to add a second 1933 Irvin to my collection. When I saw photos taken by the collector I was amazed. The jacket is in stunning all original condition and impossible to up-grade!
The fleece is perfect-no wear at all anywhere. The single trunnion Dot zips have their original leather pulls. The rounded ends of the pulls contrast with the squarer ends of later pulls. Unlike my other 1933 Irvin this one does not have the eyelets for the elastic strap.
The label is clear with the IAC patent and no contract number. However this was an issued jacket for it was acquired D.K.Taylor, an Aero engine fitter who had joined the RAF in 1927 and served with no. 11, 605, 101, 230 and 605 squadrons until his discharge in August 1939. During the War he worked at No. 14 Elementary Flying Training School at Elmdon Airport, Birmingham as a ground engineer, specialising in the overhaul of Tiger Moth airframes and Gipsy Major Engines. From 1948 to 1974 he worked at Eastleigh Airport for a flying school, rebuidling a Gloster Gladiator and a Spitfire. How he acquired the jacket is not known, but it is likely to have been in the mid 1930s. It has been in storage for much of its like and thus is in such amazing consition.
It has been given a light coat of Pecards to protect the leather, but the leather is generally supple, with no damage, repairs at all.
I have taken some outdoor pictures today. The jacket is very comfortable to wear and a great fit. Enjoy!
Notice the original cutter's tags.
The label is machine sewn in rather than tacked in by hand.
D.F. Taylor known as "Buck" is wearing mechanics overalls.
I have owned a 1933 four panel jacket for several years. The jacket had been well used, but retained all its original features, including the elastic strap.
However, a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to add a second 1933 Irvin to my collection. When I saw photos taken by the collector I was amazed. The jacket is in stunning all original condition and impossible to up-grade!
The fleece is perfect-no wear at all anywhere. The single trunnion Dot zips have their original leather pulls. The rounded ends of the pulls contrast with the squarer ends of later pulls. Unlike my other 1933 Irvin this one does not have the eyelets for the elastic strap.
The label is clear with the IAC patent and no contract number. However this was an issued jacket for it was acquired D.K.Taylor, an Aero engine fitter who had joined the RAF in 1927 and served with no. 11, 605, 101, 230 and 605 squadrons until his discharge in August 1939. During the War he worked at No. 14 Elementary Flying Training School at Elmdon Airport, Birmingham as a ground engineer, specialising in the overhaul of Tiger Moth airframes and Gipsy Major Engines. From 1948 to 1974 he worked at Eastleigh Airport for a flying school, rebuidling a Gloster Gladiator and a Spitfire. How he acquired the jacket is not known, but it is likely to have been in the mid 1930s. It has been in storage for much of its like and thus is in such amazing consition.
It has been given a light coat of Pecards to protect the leather, but the leather is generally supple, with no damage, repairs at all.
I have taken some outdoor pictures today. The jacket is very comfortable to wear and a great fit. Enjoy!
Notice the original cutter's tags.
The label is machine sewn in rather than tacked in by hand.
D.F. Taylor known as "Buck" is wearing mechanics overalls.
