British Royal Air Force RAF No. 5 Mess Dress Jacket - Squadron Leader - 1970s

At a glance - 

• 100% Wool Body
• Single Button Closure
• Engraved "Staybrite" Buttons
• No. 5 Mess Dress
• Squadron Leader's Cuff Laurels
• Fully Sateen Lined
• Elegant Royal Air Force Grey Blue Colour - Slightly less vibrant than photos show!
• Ornate Engraved Golden  "Staybrite" Buttons
• Exceptional Tailoring Quality by Alkit

• Chest Size: 39" / Medium Slim
• Sleeve Length: 26" / Long 
• Collar to Hem: 24"

• Vintage Militaria / Dated April 17th, 1979
• Genuine British Royal Air Force / RAF Surplus

Grades - 

• Grade 1 - Excellent condition over all, general signs of previous use. Some small markings which were difficult to photograph, but in short it could benefit from dry cleaning, although no external markings notice at a distance. Buttons are in decent condition but may benefit from a polish. Over all, really fantastic condition. 

Any questions please feel free to ask!

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An absolute gem of vintage surplus from the late 1970's. Great Britain has a reputation across the globe for some beautiful uniforms and this one is certainly no different. Taking inspiration from centuries of fashion etiquette, this jacket sticks to a rather traditional evening dinner jacket, but of course set in Royal Air Force blue grey colour, with beautiful golden buttons and sleeve laurels. The tailoring quality on this jacket is phenomenal too, up to the highest standard for RAF officers.

The jacket body is made from pure wool while internally it is lined with a sateen material. The peaked lapel is run with a slightly contrasting grey colour. As mess dress is mostly for show and formal events, it features several decorative buttons which all feature the variation of the RAF emblem, the British crown above a flying eagle. Practical features are limited and the most utility you'll find on this jacket is a small, single slit pocket on the inner left-hand side.

The previous owner had a decent career in the Royal Air Force, spending at least 6 years to achieve the rank of squadron leader, something quite difficult given the tumultuous nature of the cold war. A brilliant piece of British militaria and an absolutely fantastic jacket all round.

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