Luftwaffe leather jacket ?
 

Hello all

I wonder if any clothing experts out there could cast there eyes over this leather jacket I acquired recently. The story that came with it, was that during the early part of the war over the UK, a Ju88 crash landed and this jacket was given to a farmer who gave the pilot a packet of cigarettes! Good swop for the farmer in my opinion! I don't have any definitive proof of this story or anymore details unfortunately, but it sounds very intriguing all the same. I don't pretend to know much about Luftwaffe leather jackets of the period, only that they were not issued items and therefore most were private purchases, so there are many different styles. I am particularly puzzled by the single metal gulls on the collar?
I have taken some pictures, including one of a very faded label inside the inner pocket.
Would be interested to hear peoples opinions. I can supply other pictures if requested.

Many thanks in advance.

Re: Luftwaffe leather jacket ?
 

To start with, the insignia doesn't add up.

The shoulder boards are the rank of Hauptmann (Captain).
The single Gull on the collar (as is - metal) is for a Fahnenjunker (Flight Cadet).
Even if the single Gull on the collar was in bullion with Oakleaves around it or with a Bar under it, it would only be a Leutnant (Second Lieutenant).

FYI - The first word in the second line of the tag may be Fliegerhorst. Maybe some higher-rez pics of the tag from different angles would help.

My first impression is fantasy piece.

Re: Luftwaffe leather jacket ?
 

Furthermore bombers flew higher & longer & such a jacket would not give its wearer much warmth or comfort. Why would a farmer want such a jacket? It's wearer would need such a item as a POW. A bit suspect I'm afraid

Re: Luftwaffe leather jacket ?
 

It's definitely a period piece of German manufacture, but the shoulder boards look pretty fresh compared to the jacket. Please post a good scan of the label.

Re: Luftwaffe leather jacket ?
 

Hello all

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate your opinions. I have to be honest i'm a bit puzzled by the contradictions with the insignia as well. I have included a few more pics, including some more of the label, its very faded, so I have tried to highlight as best I can in black and white. The label is intriguing, but very hard to make out.

best regards

Re: Luftwaffe leather jacket ?
 

@ harri109,

the only words I can decipher half way sure are

"Fliegerhorst Deelen"

Not much of help, I fear.

All the best
Norbert