I'd say the majority of Luftwaffe personal clothing items could have been worn by either fighter or bomber, though one notes certain preferences when studying the photos. Items like oxygen masks & chute harnesses would be more specifically issued based on aircraft type.
On the other hand, the majority of Luftwaffe items for sale to collectors are attributed to fighter pilots, simply because it sells better.
Key to LW collecting, as Jos and Francois always (and generously) show is careful study of the photographs.
On the topic of short gloves, I think the gauntlet was a holdover from the open cockpit days and really more a hinderance than a help in a small enclosed cockpit. The Luftwaffe seemed to have been very interested in ergonomics, so it makes sense they'd phase out the gauntlet.
Rule of thumb (no pun intended) if its gray color its postwar Bundeswehr. I've not yet seen any wartime gray gloves, but I wouldn't dismiss the possibility.
I like Harry's and Andreas' gloves
HTH
Ray
On the other hand, the majority of Luftwaffe items for sale to collectors are attributed to fighter pilots, simply because it sells better.
Key to LW collecting, as Jos and Francois always (and generously) show is careful study of the photographs.
On the topic of short gloves, I think the gauntlet was a holdover from the open cockpit days and really more a hinderance than a help in a small enclosed cockpit. The Luftwaffe seemed to have been very interested in ergonomics, so it makes sense they'd phase out the gauntlet.
Rule of thumb (no pun intended) if its gray color its postwar Bundeswehr. I've not yet seen any wartime gray gloves, but I wouldn't dismiss the possibility.
I like Harry's and Andreas' gloves
HTH
Ray
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