{"product_id":"1930s-french-m1929-noel-cuir-leather-flying-coat","title":"1930s French M1929 Noël Cuir Leather Flying Coat – Armée de l’Air","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA substantial original French M1929 leather flying coat, dating from the 1930s and retaining its original Noël Cuir woven label, marked “Marque Déposée” with a Paris 20e address. Exceptionally substantial in both construction and appearance, this is an impressive surviving example of inter-war French aviation clothing, distinguished by its heavyweight leather, checked wool lining and extraordinary naturally developed patina.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1929 belongs to an important generation of protective flying clothing developed during the inter-war period, when military aircrew operated in aircraft offering comparatively little protection from wind and cold. Long leather coats provided a durable outer barrier, while substantial wool linings supplied the insulation required for prolonged exposure in the air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pattern also has an interesting connection with Polish aviation history. Period photographs document French M1929-type leather flying coats being worn by Polish airmen in France during 1939 and 1940, following the reorganisation of Polish aviation personnel on French soil. There is no known individual provenance connecting this particular coat with a Polish airman, but it is an original example of the same French flying-coat pattern documented in their use during this significant early chapter of the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leather is unquestionably the defining feature of this example. Exceptionally substantial brown hides retain considerable body and structure while having softened naturally through approximately nine decades of wear. The original darker finish has developed into deep chocolate, tobacco and russet tones, particularly across the shoulders, sleeves, collar, belt and other areas exposed to repeated movement and contact. Deep creasing, variations in grain and natural surface wear give the leather a character that cannot be convincingly reproduced artificially.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction is purposeful throughout. The long overlapping front is secured by leather-covered buttons and framed by broad notched lapels, with distinctive parallel stitched detailing across the upper chest. A buttoned flap pocket sits high on the chest, while two large hand pockets are incorporated discreetly into the lower body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA full leather belt passes around the waist through substantial belt loops and closes with its original metal buckle. Leather adjustment straps at the cuffs allow the sleeves to be drawn closer around the wrists. Beneath these are internal wrist storm cuffs, providing additional protection against draughts, while underarm vents introduce a degree of ventilation into what is otherwise an exceptionally substantial garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shoulder construction employs long sweeping seams rather than a conventional sharply defined shoulder, allowing the heavy leather to fall naturally through the upper body and contributing to the coat's broad protective silhouette. From the rear, large uninterrupted expanses of leather give the garment much of its imposing presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, the coat retains a substantial cream, brown and grey checked wool lining. Beneath the internal chest pocket is the original Noël Cuir woven manufacturer's label, carrying the “Marque Déposée” wording and Paris 20e address. Its survival alongside the leather-covered buttons, waist belt, buckle, cuff adjusters and storm cuffs makes this an especially complete example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately nine decades have transformed the original leather surface into a complex landscape of folds, grain, abrasions and changing brown tones. These signs of age have deliberately been preserved rather than disguised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history is in the leather itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good vintage condition for an original leather flying coat of this age. The heavyweight leather remains strong, supple and fully wearable, with extensive age-related surface wear consistent with genuine use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe darker original finish has naturally worn in areas to reveal warmer tobacco and russet tones beneath, particularly across the shoulders, sleeves, collar, belt and exposed edges. Deep creasing, scratches, scuffs, surface marks and tonal variation are present throughout and form an important part of the coat's character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original buttons, full waist belt, original metal buckle, belt loops and leather cuff adjustment straps remain present. The internal wrist storm cuffs and underarm vents are also retained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally, the cream, brown and grey checked wool lining remains well preserved for its age, with age-related marks and wear consistent with an original garment of this period. The original Noël Cuir woven manufacturer's label remains present and legible beneath the internal chest pocket, retaining its “Marque Déposée” marking and Paris 20e address.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe coat has been specialist cleaned and carefully conditioned in-house using our own workshop leather-care blends, nourishing the leather while preserving its original surface, patina and tonal variation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo attempt has been made to recolour areas of natural finish loss or artificially disguise the character acquired over its long life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease study the detailed photographs, which form an important part of the description and show the overall condition closely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Identifying Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal French M1929 leather flying coat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDating from the 1930s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrench military aviation \/ Armée de l’Air pattern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePattern documented in wear by Polish airmen in France during 1939 and 1940\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Noël Cuir woven manufacturer's label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“Marque Déposée” marking with Paris 20e address\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptionally substantial brown leather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep chocolate, tobacco and russet colouring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive naturally developed patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong protective flying-coat silhouette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverlapping buttoned front\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal buttons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad notched lapels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParallel stitched upper-chest detailing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButtoned flap chest pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo lower hand pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull leather waist belt with original metal buckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubstantial leather belt loops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather cuff adjustment straps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal wrist storm cuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderarm vents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong sweeping shoulder construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy cream, brown and grey checked wool lining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal chest pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialist cleaned and conditioned in-house\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong, supple and fully wearable leather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements (Laid Flat)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest (armpit to armpit): 23.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders (approximate): 19\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaglan sleeve length (neck to cuff): 31.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve length (underarm to cuff): 18.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length (collar seam to hem): 35\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to approximately a 43\" chest for a comfortable fit. Please compare the measurements with a similar garment you own to ensure the best fit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54788057989443,"sku":"EB5084","price":695.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_4274.jpg?v=1788428613","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/1930s-french-m1929-noel-cuir-leather-flying-coat","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}