Barnstormer

• 1920s style

• Relaxed fit

• Button closure

• Keyhole button holes

• Double breasted

• Four deep moleskin lined pockets – two vertical chest hand-warmer pockets and two flapped cargo pockets

• Full detachable belt

• Rear yoke with lower split-panel back

• Storm cuffs as standard

• Pictured left in Brown Chromexcel Front Quarter Horsehide

As technology extended both the distances aircraft could travel and the height that could be obtained there became an urgent need for suitable flight clothing that was not only warm and relatively water proof, but was not as bulky as some of the earlier options. Inspiration for the coat we now know as “The Barnstormer” came from Royal Flying Corp’s full-length leather flying coat, manufactured by companies such as Burberrys and Gamages.

 

As became the general rule, American leather companies developed the idea to produce a better, more serviceable and easier to wear version. The American versions first appeared in the Sears catalogues of the 1920s and 1930s. The flying leather necks, the cropdusters, the cargo and mail pilots of the 1930’s all faced long hauls in bitter weather conditions with only their flying coats to keep the elements at bay.

 

Their first choice was a Double Breasted Horsehide leather coat, chosen for its warmth, strength and durability…the same hallmarks that are found in the Aero Barnstormer. Although never an “issue” item, many US manufacturers produced virtually identical versions right through to the late 1930s, using horsehide exterior while the linings varied from the heavy horse blanket material to the more luxurious, lighter weight yet warmer, alpaca wool imported from Peru.

 

The “Barnstormer”, as this jacket has universally become to be known since we first coined the name for our version in 1986 to honour of the exploits of the flying circus and stunt pilots of the 1930s.