Vtg Genuine Bundeswehr Fliegerjacke 1978 Flying Jacket Pilot L (42+) V Good

  
Bundeswehr Leather Flying Jacket - (42/52cm+). A Very Good Example of the famous Cold War Luftwaffe/German Air Force bomber jacket. Acquired during lockdown - as I'd put on quite a lot of additional weight. However, as I've slimmed-down somewhat, it now feels a little too large for me - and, as I still have a slightly smaller sized one in the wardrobe - this is better going to a new home. In any event, this is a really nice item - With a reassuringly heavier, military specific-quality.

Being very comfortable & practical due to its bomber jacket cut. Warm too: especially when fully zipped-up & with the knitted collar turned up & over - it's designed to be very wind-resistant. And it has all the standard design elements. Having the signal-orange'Rescue' lining, practical-ergonomic outer breast pocket & shoulder pouch.

The leather outer-shell is unmarked - apart from stitch marks - where previous aircrew insignia was carefully removed. Hich I feel do not detract from the overall great condition at all. A later squadron insignia (which looks really good in a clean, vivid mid-blue) was added presumably when it was re-issued - and remains like new - perhaps because it had little or no further wear - as these jackets were superseded as standard issue. In every other respect the leather shell has no real signs of heavy wear. The leather is clean, supple with no cracking or stretching - as is the lining, with no tears, loose seams or the usual oil stains etc. The knitted collar, cuffs & waistband are also v clean, have no balling - and remain taught & springy. There's just one professional repair on the waist band (pic 13), and it's barely noticeable The YKK zips all operate perfectly & the woven toggles are also intact, clean & in perfect condition (also rare). The mannequin is an athletic 40 chest & 6ft-1 tall. A 40 chest & 5ft-10 it feels just a little too big for me, however, it's still a reasonably good fit & means there's plenty of space for a heavy sweater.

And, I believe it would work particularly well for someone with a slightly larger frame than me perhaps 42 + and 6ft +? Please check the measurements & you decide...

And, if you need any further guidance, please feel free to ask.. Please check measurements against something of a similar kind.

Shoulder - Cuff: 22.5" (knitted cuff turned over 1.5"). Under Arm-to-Cuff: 19 (knitted cuff turned over). Clean & ready to wear. I've been collecting vintage clothing for over 20 years. And now looking to slim things down, as we're intending to move in late 2024.

As you'd assume, things took some effort & expense to acquire - mostly from London markets and specialist fairs. And was always selected carefully, with thought to condition, quality and whether it represented the best of the era - mostly early-mid 60s. Nothing offered will be'tired' or worn-out - be it vintage or otherwise.

And, as I know the disappointment of receiving things that are not as presented, I'll be making every effort to describe things fully and honestly - whilst giving any guidance on sizing I can. Everything being sent clean & ready to wear.