Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional early-war German WWII Luftwaffe one-piece heavyweight winter flying suit, or Fliegerschutzanzug für Winter, manufactured in 1941 by Striegel & Wagner K.G. of Lichtenfels, better known by the trade name Striwa. Constructed from heavy brushed brown velveteen-type material with a substantial fleece lining and large dark brown fur lay-down collar, the suit remains in remarkably complete condition and retains its original RAPID, Ri-Ri, and ZIPP zipper hardware, PRYM snaps, full Striwa manufacturer’s label, and the original Karl Heisler quick-release system with its pull cord still undisturbed.

The development of specialized protective flying clothing accelerated rapidly during the 1930s as military aircraft reached greater speeds and operating altitudes. Luftwaffe aircrew required clothing that could protect them against the intense cold encountered in unheated or only partially heated aircraft, particularly during long-duration flights. A number of one-piece flying suits were developed for different seasonal conditions, with heavier winter versions incorporating substantial insulation and fur or fleece linings.

This is an excellent heavy, one piece, coverall style, winter flight suit constructed in brushed brown velveteen fabric with a large chocolate brown fleece, lay down collar. We checked the zippers, and they are all maker marked, made by RAPID, Ri Ri, and ZIPP, which are all known Luftwaffe zipper suppliers. All retain their leather tabs besides one of the leg zippers which is missing the tab and the loop it connects to. We also checked the snaps, which are all marked PRYM / 6H, another known Luftwaffe supplier. Behind the front flap is a large tag reading:

STREIGEL & WAGNER K.G.
LICHTENFELS / BAYERISCHE OSTMARK
1941 Striwa
IIa 5515
US 220

IIa is the size, and the tag denotes 1941 manufacture by Striegel & Wagner K.G., otherwise known as Striwa. This is rather early manufacture, especially for an example with so many zippers as opposed to the earlier button flaps. The interior flap that covers the emergency release cord also bears a maker’s tag, reading:

Karl Heisler D.R.
Berlin C 2 G.M.

It is rare to find an example with the tags retained like this. The pull ring and cord are in the original configuration and have not been undone and reattached. Pulling of the ring allows the suit to be taken off quickly in an emergency.

The fur lining is well-retained, and the zippers and buttons all appear functional. There is some minor wear across, but this is overall one of the nicest Luftwaffe flight suits we have ever seen. It is also a rather rare configuration to find, as the heavy weight of these suits made them far less likely to survive the war and 80 years following.

The preservation of both identification labels is especially noteworthy. Many surviving flying suits have lost their cloth manufacturer’s labels through wear, laundering, deterioration, or removal, while this example retains both the complete Striegel & Wagner / Striwa 1941 label and the separate Karl Heisler marking on the emergency release mechanism.

With its 1941 Striwa manufacturer’s label, IIa size designation, heavy brown winter construction, well-preserved fur lining and collar, RAPID, Ri-Ri, and ZIPP hardware, PRYM / 6H snaps, and untouched Karl Heisler quick-release assembly, this is a particularly complete example of early-war Luftwaffe specialized flying clothing. Its construction and surviving manufacturer details make it an excellent study piece for a collection focused on Luftwaffe flight equipment, German aviation clothing, early-war aircrew gear, or Striegel & Wagner production.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10
Shoulder to sleeve: 27
Shoulder to shoulder: 19
Chest width: 20
Waist: 22.5
Hip: 23.5
Front length: ~67

Waist: 23.5
Rise: 12
Inseam: 28