Another Erich Hartmann flight jacket

[Pilot]

Just got this one...
An issued version ( this one not to Erich ...) and also called Reich’s Defence jacket...Reichsverteidigungsjacke.
They were issued in grey, russet and seal...

 

[Pilot]

Traces of the Luftwaffe breast eagle in the left upper corner of the photo.

 

[B-Man2]

Pilot;
That's one I haven't seen before.
Great original find.
Were you able to learn anything about the history of the jacket or its previous owner?
Also ... Was this predominantly a Luftwaffe jacket or was it issued to the other branches of the military?

 

[Pilot]

Pilot;
That's one I haven't seen before.
Great original find.
Were you able to learn anything about the history of the jacket or its previous owner?
Also ... Was this predominantly a Luftwaffe jacket or was it issued to the other branches of the military?

Thx, no ID of the former owner. These jackets were only issued to fighter pilots, not to other crews, not to other armed divisions.
Most of these jackets were even wired...heated....they had matching pants, boots and gloves ...also heated/wired. Late war versions were not wired anymore, nor had they metal sleeve zippers, nor metal fasteners...all ( zips and fasteners, hence buttons) made out of syntethic material only. The leather is dear skin or pig’s skin, but extremly nice and robust.

 

[Persimmon]

What size is the jacket.
It is a wearer for you or a display piece only.
I like it. Good catch.

 

[Pilot]

What size is the jacket.
It is a wearer for you or a display piece only.
I like it. Good catch.

Thx, display and investment only...its a chest 42” approx., so too small for me anyway.

 

[johnwayne]

Wow, if you can dismiss everything nasty about the politics of the Third Riech and its corporate identity you have to admit the likes of Hartmann and his peers look so cool. Great jacket, great find!!

 

[B-Man2]

After a few more looks I have to admit the jackets cool but I'm not a fan of that collar. It looks like a clown collar on Hartmann.
A simple pointed collar would have looked much better.
What material is that?

 

[Pilot]

Wow, if you can dismiss everything nasty about the politics of the Third Riech and its corporate identity you have to admit the likes of Hartmann and his peers look so cool. Great jacket, great find!!

Thx. well said.

 

[Pilot]

After a few more looks I have to admit the jackets cool but I'm not a fan of that collar. It looks like a clown collar on Hartmann.
A simple pointed collar would have looked much better.
What material is that?

Large wide round edged collars were the design of this time...look at all allied flight jackets and other fleece jackets used by US crews and mechanics.
The collar is made out of a kind of blueish felt/velvet and leather backing...keep in mind, no more natural ressources available in bombed to rubble, surrounded Germany...but it looks cool.

 

[Pilot]

 

[Pilot]

View attachment 3307

The grey version...note the connectors to attach the wired heated gloves.

 

[Pilot]

 

[Pilot]

View attachment 3308

Another version in seal and with ( still ) a bit of metal , fasteners, sleeve zippers...collar latch etc.

 

[BeerSnob]

Pilot,
Just joined the group. What a magnificent find. Stunning jacket brimming with history. Without revealing your sources, did you have a connection? Anyway, I had no idea there were others like me, who just can't get enough of vintage leather jackets. Who knew?

 

[CBI]

Love this - wish someone would duplicate!!!

 

[Pilot]

Love this - wish someone would duplicate!!!

Soon...

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Awesome jacket - still like B-man2 pointed out collar looks somehow "funny" but back then it was more about warmth rather than style

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Soon...

Brice you making me curious ...

 

[Pilot]

Brice you making me curious ...

Please be patient...