Historical information

World War II 1939-1945 Luftwaffe leather flying gauntlets were protective hand wear designed for military aviators to guard against high-altitude freezing temperatures and severe flash burns. They shielded aircrews from instrument burns and cockpit fires. Long gauntlet cuffs protected the wrists and forearms from drafts and cold air. They were favored by bomber and maritime patrol crews in unheated aircraft, German aircrew gauntlets used thin brown kid leather with raised ridges and expanding wrist gussets. Fighter pilots usually rejected them in favor of shorter gloves for better mobility.

Physical description

A pair of WW11 Luftwaffe flying gauntlets. They are light brown leather, fur lined, tapered at the wrist, and fitted with a narrow expandable wristband which closes with a dark brown press stud. There are three detailed stitching lines on the back of each gauntlet.