Luftwaffe Pilot Jackets

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Hello All, here is my collection of Luftwaffe pilot jackets. This first photo is a favorite of mine because it shows the routine use of several different types and combinations. A mixture of regulation and nonregulation jackets and pants. I can't really think of any other aspect of uniform use in the 3rd Reich that allowed as much leeway in the wear of uniforms that the Luftwaffe did. Regards, Bill Bourque

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The following are three private purchase types, each abit different. These most likely were made in France and were fitted out to the supremely confident young pilots. While there are many photos that show a wide variety of styles Im most comfortable with this type. These all share upper zipp pockets, elongated pointed collars, waist side adjustment straps, seamless back sections, front waist buckles or buttons and exposed front vertical zipps. Bill

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Diagonal upper zipps.

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Diagonal pockets.

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Manikin.

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The following two are examples of the blue/gray lightweight winbreaker. Both are fully lined and have ribbed wool skirts. This one has a metal zipper and metal button neck closure and they both are high quality manufacture. The sleeve insignia is for a 2nd Lt.

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This example is a late war model with no metal parts. The thick front zipper in made by RiRi plastic and the neck closure is a button. It is dated Jan 45. I feel like a criminal for owning two of these(almost).

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This is my Med. type. Not the best of condition, with rust on the snaps and a small shoulder tear. As far as I can tell by examining the few wartime pics Ive found of this type of jacket, I dont think they came with factory applied breast eagle. Mine is finely hand sown applied. This jacket is unlined and very light but well made.

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Med. manikin.

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Blue/gray manikin.

[PANZERPIONIERE]

Wow! most excellent!
Steve

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Here is the cloth elect. heated version with the thick purple velour like collar and lining. This is a very comfortable warm jacket. While this one is quite salty I like it that way. This piece was purchased from the neighbor of the late Vet. The Vet. stated he was present when a fighter came in on a forced landing in France and he obtained it from the pilot. It has silver pebbled shoulder board buttons and the remains of yellow board thread. It has considerable wear on the underside of the right "control stick" forearm, sleeve. This type jacket on occasion will show the wear shadow of the swimveste on the back due to the nature of the jacket fabric.

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Here are examples of the final leather elect. heated types. Internal waist ajustment straps gives them a smart tailored fit. The earlier brown model one is very sturdy, when in wear they cut the most militaristic figure. The gray one is abit lighter and thinner in material, it is dated 1944. It has no metal parts and the neck closure is button. On these jackets there is a wider distance between the lower front buttons to allow room for the belt. Both of these jackets are seen in many jet photos, who wouldnt want to wear a set of these and fly off in a Me262 or He162 Salamander.

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The gray model. Too bad the sleeve elect. attachments have been removed.

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Manikins.