Production of the A-4 flight suit began in the 1931 fiscal year and ended in 1943. This A-4 suit is from the first order in 1930 (1931 fiscal year) made by H D. Lee Inc under the 31-297P order. I don't have any information on the quantities ordered, but as the Air Corps was small then perhaps no more than 2,000. It is tagged a size 44.
It has features not seen on later versions, such as two knee pockets, a leather hanging strap and a separated fly. The zips are size 5 Talons with Hookless stamped on the puller in smaller letters. The zips have a 1925 patent on the other side of the pullers.
It is in remarkable condition for its age, having a couple of repairs and evidence of paint splashes.
Written on the name strip is D.L. Hutchins. I have researched him and discovered he was born in 1895/6 and died in 1972 at the age of 77. He most likely joined the AC after WW1, probably sometime in the 192os and was a major in 1937 when he undertook a year's course at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In November 1944 he was appointed Commanding Officer for Base Air Depot No. 2 at Warton, England, holding the rank of full bird colonel. The suit still retains his colonel rank insignia. If anyone knows anymore about Hutchins please let me know.
It has features not seen on later versions, such as two knee pockets, a leather hanging strap and a separated fly. The zips are size 5 Talons with Hookless stamped on the puller in smaller letters. The zips have a 1925 patent on the other side of the pullers.
It is in remarkable condition for its age, having a couple of repairs and evidence of paint splashes.
Written on the name strip is D.L. Hutchins. I have researched him and discovered he was born in 1895/6 and died in 1972 at the age of 77. He most likely joined the AC after WW1, probably sometime in the 192os and was a major in 1937 when he undertook a year's course at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In November 1944 he was appointed Commanding Officer for Base Air Depot No. 2 at Warton, England, holding the rank of full bird colonel. The suit still retains his colonel rank insignia. If anyone knows anymore about Hutchins please let me know.