A good long leather coat was a necessity for airmen operating in their open cockpit aircraft during World War I. Joined with goggles, leather flight helmet, leather boots, and riding style breeches, the long leather coat become a symbol of a new breed of warrior: the fighter pilot. This is a piece of history to the legacy of the early age of flight, and no aviation collection can be considered complete without a World War I era full length flight coat. On this example the left side of the chest has the side entry map packet. The map pocket was rarely omitted from this type of flight gear. The lower left section of the coat has a large and deep pocket which is another commonly found feature on these coats. A matching original leather belt is included. Unfortunately the coat lacks a maker's label. The inside of the coat is hand marked in ink with the name "C.H. Tripp." C.H. Tripp has yet to be identified. One possibility is 2nd Lt. Claude Henry Tripp who is among known Royal Flying Corps personnel listed in a database compiled by the online site www.AirHistory.org.uk (http://www.airhistory.org.uk/rfc/people_indexT.html). Tripp was born on June 19, 1894 and during World War I served with the No. 48 Squadron. The No. 48 Squadron was formed in 1916, posted in France in March 1917, and was the first fighter squadron to be equipped with the Bristol F.2 Fighter. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Fine with authentic use and wear and even with what appears to be some oil stains. (Those pesky Liberty engines!) The stitching is tight overall. A very attractive example of an iconic World War I era full length leather flight coat that will display nicely.