Original Item: Only One Available. Development of protective flight uniforms and equipment began with the advent of military aircraft in WWI and continued on into the Weimar and the Third Reich eras, resulting in three distinct one-piece combination pattern flight suits being approved before WWII and worn for the duration of the war with minor modifications.Regulations of July 4th, 1940 and April 24th, 1941 introduced two piece protective flight suits for fighter pilots designed to increase the wearers mobility and not be as restrictive in the close confines of a cockpit. The two piece flight suits consist of separate jacket and pants and were commonly referred to as the “Kanalanzug”, (Channel Uniform).
Here we have a pair of excellent unissued condition heavy fur-lined “channel” flight pants in near mint condition. They have a lovely dark Luftwaffe blue exterior, which is made up of a mixture of cotton and what feels like suede, along with some leather fittings in areas. The zippers are WI CO brand, with CZECHOSLOVAKIA on the reverse, which after the capture of the area in 1939 were suppliers of the German military, particularly noted for being used on flight jackets. The snaps all look to be KOH-I-NOOR brand, today located in Slovakia, and another known supplier of the Luftwaffe, used on clothing as well as field gear. As far as we can tell all snaps and zippers are fully functional.
The flying pants feature a zipper down front with snap closure at waist, which also has a very nice integral belt with a sliding buckle. The bottoms of both legs have long zippers on the interior side for more easily being fitted over boots. There are lots of pockets on the pants, many of which have internal pockets and other fittings for various piece of equipment, probably at least one for a knife, in case of a bail out. There is even a built in holster on the right side. The interior is fully lined with fur, and the waist area has buttons and some small straps for suspenders.
A really great set of these hard to find Luftwaffe “channel pants”, ready to add to your collection and display!
Approximate Measurements:
Waist: 16.5″
Inseam: 28.5″