Opinions on this Irvin

[Spitfireace]

Like this Irvin because of the small size... call you see any problems with it other than the missing belt?

 

[Spitfireace]

https://www.ebay.ca/i/142891059738?ul_noapp=true

 

[B-Man2]

Roughwear's "THE MAN" when it come to Irvin's.
The Fleece on this looks like a Devon Fleece Irvin.

 

[Spitfireace]

I know so it's not like a repro.. I thought maybe after war? because it's in such good shape.. .they made Irvins until 1950.

 

[Spitfireace]

very close to perfect except for the non original main zip and the lack of belt.

 

[B-Man2]

very close to perfect except for the non original main zip and the lack of belt.

It actually looks too good to be true, but I’m not well schooled on Irvin’s , so I would wait until someone with a better knowledge base comes along and gives you some advise. I did notice that the main zip had been changed out, so you have to ask yourself, why would an original jacket in this outstanding condition need a main zip replacement. Stands to reason that a jacket in this condition wasn’t worn much so why the need of a new zip. Gives you a reason to look harder.

 

[Roughwear]

This Links Irvin was made from recycled flying trousers and would date from 1943-5. It is in better condition than many which have recently been on Ebay. The main zip is a later replacement, whilst the sleeve zips are the original Lightning ones. Although there is wear to the right side of the collar, the fleece is generally in great condition. The missing belt will deter some bidders as would the small size.

 

[Spitfireace]

Nice.. so in other words it's good to go?.. Thanks Andrew. A good price?

 

[Spitfireace]

and no label?

 

[Roughwear]

The label would have been hand sewn in and often they just fell out. The market for Irvins is always weaker in the summer and this one has been up for sale for some time. So is the price good? Yes, if the seller wants to keep it!

 

[Spitfireace]

nicer looking than most

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

Beautiful Jacket, I've always preferred the late Multi Panel Irvins. All it needs is a belt, easily done, a period zipper and replacement leather strips on the front edge These don't look original to me more likely replaced when the front zipper was replaced. Even if they are original they probably won't stand the fitting of another new zipper due to the way the current one has been fitted.
At that price I'd grab it

 

[Roughwear]

The main zip tapes are original to the jacket and would not require replacement if the zip is changed, unless they are badly decayed. It is usually best to try and retain as much that is original on an Irvin as possible. The jacket would also need a replacement collar strap as the male belt side is missing. £350 is just the starting price, which is approximately what these later War jackets go for when complete.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

Agreed, if the strips are original and saveable they should re retained

Obviously we are way off with our valuation of these, the last two original late war examples we sold both went for over £600 I forget the exact prices but we wouldn't have taken less
Not on ebay but to callers at the factory of course

 

[Roughwear]

There is usually quite a difference between what dealers advertise Irvins for and what they often sell for on auction sites. Fully restored this small late War jacket might sell for £450. If this one had been seen as desirable it would have sold some time ago for the starting price. Larger Irvins in all original condition command the high prices, especially two panel ones and ones with can be attributed to a specific pilot or a member of an aircrew. These days such jackets are few and far between.

 

[Roughwear]

Here is a well preserved all original example of a late War jacket, which just needs the hanging chain fixing. It is a better size being a 4 and the seller is asking £450 or best offer.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAF-Leat...203603?hash=item25ff4fb493:g:n5UAAOSwlGtbbtw~

 

[Pilot]

Here is a well preserved all original example of a late War jacket, which just needs the hanging chain fixing. It is a better size being a 4 and the seller is asking £450 or best offer.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAF-Leat...203603?hash=item25ff4fb493:g:n5UAAOSwlGtbbtw~

Very nice Irvin, my size and it would be gone aleady.

 

[Roughwear]

Had it been one size larger it would have sold quickly. I can wear a size 4 but they are normally restrictive. Larger size late War jackets are exceptionally rare.

 

[Pilot]

Had it been one size larger it would have sold quickly. I can wear a size 4 but they are normally restrictive. Larger size late War jackets are exceptionally rare.

Can only concure 1000%.

 

[Spitfireace]

I concure