December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 216:
Description
USAF CWU-1/P Cold Weather Flight Suit
This is an original vintage United States Air Force CWU-1/P Cold Weather Flying Coverall, an iconic piece of aviation history primarily associated with the Vietnam War era.
The official tag clearly identifies the garment as COVERALL, FLYING, MEN S, TYPE CWU-1/P under the specification MIL-C-25786 USAF . This specific pattern was designed to provide cold-weather insulation for pilots and aircrew in high-altitude environments. The tag specifies the maker as ALBERT TURNER & CO., INC. and the material composition as a warm blend of 35% WOOL and 65% RAYON. The suit is labeled as a desirable and larger SIZE LARGE LONG.
The exterior is the characteristic sage green color, a shift from earlier flight suit colors, and features a durable, slightly lustrous nylon-rayon shell. Its construction is complex and feature-rich, designed for combat use. Key details include numerous zippered and button-flapped pockets on the chest, sleeves, and legs, and zippered access slits to inner garments. A crucial feature of the CWU-1/P is the collar which conceals a zippered, stow-away hood. The heavy-duty main zipper and leg zippers appear to be original metal pieces, essential for easy donning and doffing over boots and gear.
The overall condition is excellent for a used, Vietnam-era garment. The material displays light wear consistent with age and previous use, but the suit remains complete with all major features and hardware intact. The clear, legible manufacturer and specification tag significantly enhances its collector value. This garment represents a transitional period in US Air Force flight gear design and is a highly recognizable piece of Cold War and Vietnam-era military apparel.
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