Extremely Rare Ca. 1918-1919 RAF 'Russian Blue' Dress Uniform

Extremely rare circa 1918-1919 Royal Air Force "Russian Blue" Dress Uniform. With the establishment of the Royal Air Force as an independent service on April 1, 1918, orders were issued detailing new uniform patterns. Major General Mark Kerr designed the first officer uniform which was largely pale blue. It has been suggested that the pale blue color was adopted as the cloth had been intended for use by the Imperial Russian Cavalry and, following their disbandment after the Bolshevik Revolution it became available at low cost.

Circa 1918-1919

Jacket: approximately 17 ??" from armpit to armpit; 31" length from collar to hem (on reverse); 16 ??" from shoulder seam to cuff; 16 ??" between shoulders. Pants: 16" waist (lying flat), 30" inseam.

Cotton, polyester, silk, bullion, felt, brass

None.

Tag on inside of jacket reads: ESTd 1834 Cole & Pottow Ltd. BRISTOL & AVONMOUTH.

This is from a small collection of Royal Air Force artifacts which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VAFJJX14 LDIGEX11/14 SCGGEX5/16

7 (Very Fine): Small areas light soiling, moth nips on jacket sleeves, breast, and pant cuff. Small spot of separation at bottom of jacket hem and light oxidation on belt buckle. Patches and insignia are bright and colorful, and remain fully intact.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.