Vintage RAF Irvin Electrically Wired Flying Jacket and Trousers, RAE Pattern (c.1939)

This complete RAF Irvin flying suit is a wartime example of the electrically wired RAE pattern, dating to circa 1939, produced for aircrew operating at extreme altitude where electrically heated gloves were required alongside shearling insulation. Sets of this specification were manufactured in far smaller numbers than standard Irvin jackets and represent a technically advanced variant within RAF cold-weather flight equipment.

Presented here as a matched jacket and trousers, the suit survives as an honest, largely unaltered example with its original configuration and character intact. While no longer intended for wear, it stands as a serious collector piece that clearly illustrates the engineering priorities and operational realities of Second World War aviation.

RAE Pattern Construction and Electrical Specification

The jacket follows the electrically wired RAE pattern, identifiable by the leather wiring channels running down each arm and across the front of the body. These channels originally housed the wiring loom supplying power to electrically heated gloves, routing current through the torso and down the sleeves, terminating at the lower arms where the correct fittings would have accepted the appropriate plugs and fasteners.

The wiring loom itself is no longer present, and the waistline connections that would have supplied current to electrically heated boots have also been removed. This is a common post-service alteration seen on many electrically wired Irvin jackets, many of which had their electrical systems removed during later service or civilian use. In this example, the channels have been professionally stitched closed over time, a sympathetic and widely encountered treatment that helped preserve the structure of the jacket once the wiring was no longer required.

Despite the absence of the electrical components, the channels remain intact and clearly define this as a purpose-built electrically wired jacket rather than a standard Irvin variant. The jacket retains a full shearling interior and a strong, weighty leather outer consistent with wartime manufacture.

The trousers are of the standard Irvin flying pattern and were not electrically wired. They are constructed from matching sheepskin and designed to integrate with the jacket as a complete cold-weather flying system.

Hardware and Components

All jacket zips present are period correct. The original main jacket zip remains in place, along with the cuff zips and waist belt. The trousers retain both original braces, which are still present and correctly attached. The frontal trouser pockets are intact and fitted with functioning pop-stud fasteners.

One of the trouser leg zips has been replaced at some point during the garment’s working life with a period-appropriate 1950s zip. The remaining trouser zips are original. This type of in-service replacement is commonly encountered on flying clothing that saw continued use beyond the war years.

The trouser leg zips operate but are stiff, which is not unusual for a suit of this age. No modern replacements or incorrect components have been introduced elsewhere, and the overall hardware remains consistent with period use.

Condition and Preservation

This is an honest, unrestored wartime set that has been preserved rather than refurbished.

The jacket leather is structurally sound, with no holes or tears. The shearling shows expected age-related wear, particularly around the edges, cuffs, hem, and collar, consistent with prolonged service use. The main jacket zip has a misaligned tooth and has not been tested under tension. At the base of the zip, the leather braiding shows a small hole, visible in the images. For this reason, the jacket should not be considered wearable without specialist intervention.

The trousers are in good overall condition, with strong leather and intact construction. A small stitched repair is present to the lower right leg and is shown clearly in the photographs. One pocket is missing its leather facing, also visible in the images. The leather binding around the trouser edges shows areas where the stitching has softened with age. These sections should be handled with care, though the trousers remain solid overall and present cleanly as part of the set.

No attempt has been made to disguise wear, replace missing electrical components, or artificially enhance appearance. The suit remains exactly as found, retaining both its wartime character and its post-service history.

Conservation Approach

This suit has been handled with restraint and respect for its age and significance. The leather has received only light surface cleaning, followed by a careful application of our neutral conditioner to preserve suppleness and prevent further drying. No aggressive cleaning, reworking, or cosmetic intervention has been carried out.

The zips have not been forced or worked beyond their natural movement. Given the age of the components and the stiffness present in certain areas, preservation has been prioritised over function throughout.

Collectibility and Suitability

Electrically wired RAF Irvin flying suits are considerably rarer than standard Irvin jackets, particularly when encountered as complete sets with matching trousers. Examples retaining their wiring channels, correct pattern details, and original hardware are increasingly difficult to source.

Due to condition considerations and the absence of electrical components, this suit is best suited to display, archive, or advanced collection rather than wear. For collectors seeking a technically significant RAF Irvin variant with clear wartime provenance and uncompromised originality, this is a strong and increasingly scarce example.

Sizing and Fit Guidance

The jacket is best suited to a 38–40 chest, with the trousers corresponding to an approximate 32–34 waist. As with most wartime Irvin flying clothing, the cut is compact and functional rather than tailored, reflecting its intended use over flight gear rather than everyday clothing.

Given the age, condition, and nature of this suit, sizing is provided for reference only. This piece is best considered for display, archival, or collection purposes rather than wear.