{"product_id":"vintage-raf-irvin-sheepskin-shearling-flying-jacket-made-in-england-polden","title":"Vintage RAF Irvin Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket - Made in England","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBorn from the tradition of Somerset sheepskin manufacture, this vintage Polden flying jacket is a beautifully preserved British interpretation of the RAF Irvin. Made in Great Britain and carrying its original Polden Sheepskins of Somerset label, it comes from an era when substantial sheepskin outerwear was still being hand cut and tailored in England.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts aviation influence is unmistakable. The short body, broad fleece collar, exposed shearling cuffs and hem, heavy central zipper and full leather waist belt echo the purposeful construction of the classic British Irvin flying jacket. This is a later civilian interpretation rather than a wartime military-issued Irvin, but the lineage of the design is immediately apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket is constructed from substantial double-faced sheepskin, with the rich dark brown leather face forming the exterior and its own dense golden fleece providing the interior. The leather remains remarkably strong and firm, with pronounced natural grain, gentle creasing and subtle tonal variation developed through age and wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgainst the dark brown exterior, the warm honey and biscuit tones of the fleece create a particularly handsome contrast. The broad flying collar retains excellent volume and can be raised around the neck, secured by its leather throat strap and metal D-ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial brass-coloured zipper closes the front, while two angled hand-warmer pockets sit low on the body. Particularly distinctive is the full leather waist belt, complete with metal buckle and belt loops. When fastened, it draws the jacket into the short, compact silhouette so closely associated with traditional sheepskin flying jackets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, the natural fleece remains dense and exceptionally well preserved. The original maker's label also survives clearly, reading “Exclusively hand cut and tailored by Polden Sheepskins of Somerset, Made in Great Britain.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this example particularly appealing is its combination of age and preservation. The sheepskin has developed enough grain and tonal variation to possess genuine vintage character, yet the jacket remains exceptionally strong and wearable. A handsome survivor from the British civilian flying-jacket tradition, and an increasingly difficult quality of English-made sheepskin jacket to find in this condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage condition, with beautifully preserved original character and light natural patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe double-faced sheepskin remains strong, firm and substantial. The dark brown leather exterior presents exceptionally well, showing natural grain, gentle creasing and subtle age-developed tonal variation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe golden fleece remains dense and full throughout, with the collar retaining excellent volume and the exposed fleece at the cuffs and lower hem also very well preserved. The full leather waist belt remains complete with its buckle and belt loops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket has been specialist cleaned and conditioned in-house, with care taken to preserve its established character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo significant structural issues are apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage Polden Sheepskins flying jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolden Sheepskins of Somerset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Great Britain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal “Exclusively hand cut and tailored” maker's label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRAF Irvin-type civilian flying jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubstantial double-faced sheepskin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich dark brown leather exterior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense golden natural fleece interior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad shearling flying collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather throat strap with D-ring fastening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy brass-coloured central zipper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull leather waist belt with metal buckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo angled hand-warmer pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExposed shearling cuffs and hem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent vintage condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful natural patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements, Laid Flat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest, armpit to armpit: 23.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders, seam to seam: 19.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 24\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve, underarm seam to cuff: 17.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length, collar seam to hem: 24\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended for approximately a 40\" chest \/ Small, depending on your preferred fit and intended layering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the best indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54803366805827,"sku":"EB5102","price":495.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_4881_bed26189-b0a7-4d65-a0e9-bf2d1483058a.jpg?v=1789035017","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/vintage-raf-irvin-sheepskin-shearling-flying-jacket-made-in-england-polden","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}