Warbird Information Exchange

I recently picked up a Summer weight flying suit in new or near new condition, no wear to speak of - perhaps never issued.
It has the printed USAAF 'patch' on the shoulder, and big stamp on the inside, but it has also picked up a bit of soiling from storage and could use a good washing.
My question is how colourfast is the printing? I know it was probably intended to go through the base laundry washing machines when It was new, but that was 60-odd years ago. An y practical advice?Delicate cycle in the wash? Dry cleaning, or am I doomed to a bathtub full of Woolite?

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Lest Hero-worship raise it's head and cloud our vision, remember that World War II was fought and won by the same sort of twenty-something punks we wouldn't let our daughters date.

dry cleaning won't hurt it even after all these years, but i'd check with the cleaner for their opinion just to be safe. as to drying, let it air dry flat & flip it over 1/2 way through the process.

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

In my opinion with all the chemicals in the dry cleaning I would use woolite and cold water and wash it myself. The dry cleaning will in fact shorten the "life" of any clothing.

Scott

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Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.

http://arizonagroundcrew.org/

1940's Army Air Force ground crew living history
(A 501 C 3 organization)
(IYAMYAS)

"Yes sir, it's suppose to look like that"