Description
These are the famous ‘Eastman’ or ‘Hartmann’ jackets worn by German Luftwaffe Pilots during WWII. Some were off the rack, some were specifically tailored. Regulations of July 4th 1940 and April 24th 1941 introduced two piece protective flight suits for fighter pilots designed to increase the wearers mobility and not be as restrictive in the close confines of a cockpit. The two piece flight suits consist of separate jacket and pants and was commonly referred to as the “Kanalanzug”, (Channel Uniform). Officers and certain senior NCO’s were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and were allotted a clothing allowance. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots. Besides the standard issue flight garments Luftwaffe personnel also utilized a wide variety of private purchase leather jackets in contradiction of regulations. These private purchase jackets appear to have been quite popular as they can be commonly seen in period photographs.
This example is a very high quality, private purchase, multi-panel chocolate brown leather construction fully lined, waist length, flight jacket with a lay down collar. The jacket features vertical front button closers. The jacket has two horizontal slash breast pockets with zippers, and 1 vertical type on the chest. This jacket has slip on loops and buttons for shoulder boards, complete with two matching Major’s epaulets with fine silver/aluminum wire over dark yellow wool bases. Left breast features an aluminum breast eagle produced by Assmann & Söhne attached via 2 sewn loops. The chest also has a set of award loos more than likely for a pilots badge or EK1. All the buttons, snaps and the zippers still function, the leather is very soft and supple and the red lining is untorn and also without any damage or repairs, the jacket is roughly size 40″ in the chest; a nice LARGE size that is perfect to display!
