Before the advent of the pressurized cabin, early military pilots
would have to do some serious bundling to survive to sub-zero
temperatures at high altitude flight. Sheepskin flight pants and coats
were a staple amongst the US Army Air Corps from the 30s up through
World War 2.
There is much documentation and trade
happening of the "B" series flight pants, but I haven't been able to
find much about the earlier "A-1" flight pants. Unlike the B-1, which
is made entirely of sheepskin, these A-1 pants are made of a much more
durable horsehide with the sheepskin being quilted to the inside. I
suspect that, much like the A-2 horsehide jackets, production costs and
supply forced the Army to find a more practical alternative in order to
keep up with the war-time demand.
An excellent condition
pair of B-1 flight pants can fetch between $250 and $400, but due to the
limited availability, I have no idea what the actual value of a pair of
A-1 flight pants is.
This pair was made by the Switlik Parachute & Equipment
Company probably in the mid-late 1930s. I'm assuming that they are one
of the earliest examples of a pair of high altitude flight pants. You
can check back and find out how much these sold for
here.
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| A-1 US Army Air Corps Flight Pants |
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| A-1 US Army Air Corps Flight Pants Back Side |
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| Unzipped inside |
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| One 1930s Wide Head Talon Zipper for each leg. |
