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Aviation History
1915
1915 - 0943.PDF
NOVEMBER 19, 1915- SUPPLEMENT TO [fiM HT As the inner-man, in addition to time, is pressing, and as there is an excellent restaurant in the building, we cannot do better than have lunch here before passing on to Selfridge's, our next place of call. Again we are brought almost to a state of irresolution in our choice owing to the munificence of the display. We are fortunate, however, that in Mr. Wybrow we have an expert who has been connected with flying and motoring from the early days, and so, should it be a question of this, or of that, his experience in the knowledge of what we require cannot help but be of great assistance in forming our decision. In black and in tan, of all usual lengths, are again to be seen those fleece-lined leather overcoats. Can there be a distinction without a difference ? Under-jackets in tan leather, with sleeves, are remarkably warm, and these are fitted with wind-cuffs. In suede they may be obtained, should you not fancy leather of the faced variety, or again, in a leather which is washable, and all are lined with lambswool. Here is a jacket, quite a short affair, coming as it does but to the waist, much after the style of an Eton jacket. It is in black leather, has sleeves, and is double-breasted. It is lined with fleece, and is just the thing to wear under an ordinary overcoat when aerodrome flying, which is generally for short periods. Should leather be not your fancy, or if you have a leather great coat but require something underneath, here is an under-jacket of fleece only, quite a little blanket jacket, with side pockets, which looks remarkably comfortable, and is of small price. Failing the want of a jacket, you may be fitted with a suede leather waistcoat. A canvas overcoat is a novelty to me, yet there is one here—a long coat, absolutely waterproof, I am told, and lined with sheep skin ; not quite so soft and flexible as the leather coats, but very efficient, and the price is very moderate. And now to Dunhill's, who have opened special show rooms for aviation and service clothing and equipments at 2, Conduit Street, Regent Street. The selection of clothing here is well up to their usual standard in quality and assortment. The leather flying coat in various lengths is of course in evidence, and in addition they have some novelties of their own. One of these is a Japanese paper under-jacket. The warmth of paper as an undergarment is well known, and in this article it is utilised in the best possible manner, by making it into a jacket which is exceedingly well made, very strong, and not easily torn. The price is one which admits of replacement at frequent periods, though of course it is doubtful whether the substantial leather under-jacket be not the better econcmy in the long run. In leather, they have the Mm waistcoats and jackets, and in addition, those in sh'epskin and fur. The Flanders Coat is one eminently suitable for soldiers' wear, who in addition to using it when Hying, will want to walk al>out in it. It reaches just to the knees, and is made in softest tan or khaki chrome dressed leather, and has a detachable pure fleece lining. The usual pockets aie provided, and it has the favourite all-round belt. In gloves, it may be taken that Messrs. Dunhill are experts in knowing what to provide, owing to their vast experience in the wants of motorists. At Conduit Street the variety is almost unlimited, and every aviator may be sure of finding a pair to suit him. Flying caps also are in profusion, as are also boots, leggings, an^ everything necessary to the flying-man. With an industry making such gigantic strides as aviation, and whose workers are increasing so rapidly in numbers, it is not surprising that business houses who had not hitherto catered expressly for the aviation world, are rapidly falling into line, and adding a special department for this purpose. One of these, who may not at the moment be very well known amongst aviators, is Messrs. Robinson and Cleaver of Regent Street. The stock now carried in the department is a good one, and here may be found practically all that is necessary in flying kit. In addition, they lay themselves out to supply service uniforms and equipment for officers, including camp necessaries. For aviation, there is the usual assortment of flying coats and jackets. Under- vests, under-jackets, complete leather suits and what not. A speciality is a set of oilskin overalls which are waterproof, and at the price, a good substitute for the more expensive leather suits. A visit here by those interested will be time well spent. Well, I have come to the end of our lktle chat on clothing, and I trust I have been able to make it interesting reading, and also that I may have been able to smooth the way a little to those who are thinking of re-fitting. I have been able by the use of a few sketches and photographs to illustrate some of the things seen, although they convey but a poor idea of the real articles. In conclusion, I found during my round, that the old fashioned servile, ambiguous bowing and scraping to customers used by the old-time salesman, together with the stupid mock-humble counter-language they used to use, has entirely dis appeared. Those in charge, many of whom I have been able to mention by name, are straightforward business men, whose business is to see that you get exactly what you want, and not what they would like to sell. They will talk things over with you as with an old friend, and advise you to the best of their ability. It is an experience worth cultivating to have an interview with these experts in their particular sphere. • MBBP VI 3j» HI Hljl Some Special Lines at Dunhill's. ?5
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