Back in the days when I could afford to fly airplanes, I went to a leather apparel store in Manhattan called "The Cockpit" (no jokes, please), which specialized in WWII bomber jackets, flying goggles and Snoopy-headgear, and bought this set of leather gauntlets (and indeed, a Snoopy-helmet & goggles).
I did fly in open-cockpit biplanes a few times, but for the most part, I think this purchase was more a matter of feeding a Walter Mitty complex than it was a hedge against fire. Anyway, the darn gauntlets must have come rom Krypton because after a quarter-century of very hard use—including wrastling with my dog who knows it's okay to play a little rough when the gloves are on—there isn't a split seam or slightest tear anywhere on 'em.
Sadly, I'm no longer an intrepid aviator, but the gauntlets sit in the storage compartment of my Model T along with my collection of funny hats, sleeve-garters, shoe-spats, goggles and stick-on handlebar mustaches—but mostly, I just use them when the pooch and I are in the mood for a little rough-housing.
Speaking of gloves.
If the glove doesn't fit.............
Hopefully this will not hi-jack this thread. Where can I find a bomber jacket, "Snoopy" hat and goggles like Bob mentioned in his message?
Thanks
MUG SNOOPY!
Dennis,
Look up WW2 Militaria Reproductions
They have this helmet available:
How much would you like to spend?
http://www.gibson-barnes.com/dept-293832/Leather-Jackets.html
Jay
Catalog page from 1913.
Especially like the "Owner" style, note the material these are made of what the automobile replaced on the road back then!
I got mine at www.uswings.com They sell a kit of three items - the leather helmet, goggles, and a silk scarf. Can't beat that.