BACKGROUND: Development of protective flight uniforms, equipment and footwear began with the advent of military aircraft in WWI and continued on into the Weimar Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), and the Third Reich eras. With a drop in temperature, (lapse rate), of roughly one degree Celsius per one hundred metres of altitude it can get considerably cooler at even relatively low flight altitudes. Considering the temperature/altitude lapse rate the requirement for warm clothing and footwear becomes evident. Flight boots were considered an integral part of the flight suit and originally Third Reich era flight personnel wore the previously introduced, fur lined, over-boots but further production of the early style over-boots was discontinued by regulations of June 16TH 1939. The first flight boots developed during the Third Reich were the fur lined, model Pst 3, boots as introduced on November 6TH 1935. On September 22ND 1937 an improved version of the Pst 3 flight boots were introduced and designated as model Pst 4004. Both the Pst 3 and the Pst4004 boots were utilized through-out the war. Although the boots proved to be suitable for flying both of the early models proved somewhat impractical as they were difficult to walk any distance in and the internal fur would become matted down easily resulting in loss of heat retention. Although assorted patterns of other footwear were considered to overcome the shortcomings of the flight boots no suitable pattern was ever officially adopted and the Pst 3 and the Pst4004 flight boots, with minor variations, continued to be utilized for the duration of the war. On June 25TH 1936 the Germans developed an electrically heated flight suit that consisted of a one piece, jacket/pant combination with separate gloves and socks. The electrically heated flight suits contained built-in, insulated heating elements that drew their power directly from the aircraft by means of a quick release, electrical coupling connection. The early electrically heated flight suits were intended for cold weather flights and were to be worn over the standard uniform and beneath the protective flight suit. On February 16TH 1940 the first electrically heated flight boots were introduced to augment the electrically heated flights suits and worked on the same principal with built-in, insulated heating elements that drew their power directly from the aircraft by means of a quick release, electrical coupling connection. The electrically heated flight boots were a modification of the earlier Pst 4004 flight boots and were designated Pst 4004 E, Pelzstiefel 4004 Elektrisch, (Fur Boots 4004 Electric). Of Note: Regulations of July 4TH 1940 and April 24TH 1941 introduced two piece protective flight suits for fighter pilots which were designed to increase the wearer’s mobility and not be as restrictive in the close confines of a cockpit although the earlier one piece suits continued to be worn right up until the end of the war. The two piece flight suits consist of separate jacket and pants and was commonly referred to as the "Kanalanzug", (Channel Uniform). Originally the two piece protective flight suits didn’t utilize the electrical heating elements although some later models did incorporate the electrically heated feature. Also Of Note: Although Officers and certain Senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the Luftwaffe’s Verkaufsabteilung, (Air-Force Sales Department), system the flight uniform items, (one and two piece suits, flight helmets, gloves/gauntlets, footwear etc.), were considered special equipment items and as a result were issued to all ranks.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, multi-panel construction, electrically heated, Pst 4004E flight boots with upper, blackened, brushed leather, (suede), calf sections and smooth, blackened leather foot sections. All complete and in well worn used condition. Zippers function perfect. Excellent labels with nice Rbnr# marking. Good large size , at least a 10 or 11. Shows the expected period use and wear but overall nice condition.