CAF tunic and insignia, circa 1920
 

I recently picked up this early Canadian Air Force (CAF) Norfolk-style tunic issued to a Flying Officer. It is completely correct for the period and appears untouched since its original issue. I temporarily removed the insignia to take photos. I believe I can ID the owner from the tag but I'm still doing research to confirm that and to discover the date of recruitment and discharge. It appears the insignia date to 1920, the year of largest recruitment in the CAF I believe. At its peak in 1921, the CAF enthusiastically had perhaps 1,200 Officers on the books; this number rapidly declined to 45 by mid 1923.

The wing is as complete as it gets with the felt backing and brass support bar. Note the die break on the bottom right wing which is often seen in this specific die variant. The wing doesn't have the Makers back-stamp from Caron Bros. The collars are the earlier, 1st issue of the design without the motto.

A lovely, and scarce tunic, and with a lovely set of insignia.

Nitpicking a little, but for reference, its not a Norfolk jacket. The 'Norfolk' style jacket was originally based on an English hunting jacket, and what makes it a 'Norfolk' is the twin bands of cloth running down the front from each shoulder to the hem of the skirt. Be it civil or military, the bands sometime conceal pockets. An example is the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service officers tunic, now no longer worn.

A rare desirable set .
Regards steve

I appreciate the correction and explanation of "Norfolk" Padre. To be honest, clothing is something I know precious little about; I just referenced the style from another book discussing the CAF tunics. It's an interesting dark colour and seems to change in natural or artificial light between black-blue and blue-black.

Thanks Steve, I was delighted to have the opportunity to snag this.

Its certainly a beautiful set, lovely to have it all complete on the tunic.

Fantastic tunic and insignia, thank you for sharing it with us.

Wow...I've been looking for one of these for 30 years, as long as some have been searching for the Loch Ness monster, only I think sightings of this tunic might be rarer! Congratulations.