Spalding Aviator's Clothing & Equipment in the 1920S-1930s Paperback – November 21, 1997

This reprint of an original catalog offers a fascinating look back at aviation's early days, as reflected by the protective clothing used by pilots back then. Open-cockpits were the standard layout for aircraft, exposing fliers and passengers to weather, wind blast from propeller and slipstream, pure numbing cold, and lack of oxygen. Protective flying gear was essential, and Spalding offered some of the best. (Many of the patterns would be incorporated into Army Air Corps flying equipment---a sincere if indirect compliment.) This richly illustrated little book is a time capsule, and a window on a primitive, pioneering era in flying.

Not all the descriptions have a photo to go with them. Small book, great photos. Would have preferred double the amount of pages and photos. Spaulding has a great history.

Nice little book, perhaps a bit thinner than expected.