WWII leather flight pants are the bomb
Q. This is a picture of World War II leather flight pants/bomber pants that my husband brought home in the 1940s. They are lined with fleece, have the original adjustable suspenders and zippers and are in excellent condition. Stamped on the front is a circle with two wings and a star, as well as the words "Army Air Forces." On the back stamped into the leather are the words "Type 1 - Medium - Pat. NO 87 5509 - MFG SAAD."
I am thinking of getting rid of them and wonder what they might be worth. Do you have an idea?
A. American pilots flew at high altitudes in Germany during World War II. Temperatures were extremely cold, and the cabins were not insulated. Both leather bomber jackets and pants were lined with sheepskin to help keep them warm. The United States Army Air Forces was a division of the U.S. Army. Following the National Security Act of 1947, it officially became the U.S. Air Force, a separate branch of the armed services.
Vintage leather bomber pants can be found selling on the internet for anywhere between $65 and several hundred dollars, depending on their condition.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a light-blue teapot that I bought 20 years ago. Also included with the mark are the numbers "1-41" The teapot is in mint condition.
I am downsizing, and before I sell the teapot in a yard sale I would like to know whether it has any value. What can you tell me?
A. Taylor, Smith & Taylor made your semiporcelain teapot. It was founded by John Taylor and Charles Smith in 1901 in Chester, West Virginia. The mark you provided was used on the "Lu-Ray Pastels" line that was introduced in 1938. Complete dinnerware sets were available in the following colors: Windsor Blue, Sharon Pink, Chatham Gray, Surf Green and Persian Cream. Accessory pieces included teapots, serving bowls, sugar bowls, cream pitchers, butter dishes, compartmental plates, saltshakers, pepper shakers, gravy boats and egg cups. The Luray Caverns in Virginia were the inspiration for the name of the line. Taylor, Smith & Taylor was sold to the Anchor Hocking Corp. in 1972. Due to a declining market, the pottery ceased operations in 1981.
Your teapot is an example of the Lu-Ray line, and the color is Windsor Blue. The numbers "1-41" represent the date of manufacture, January 1941.
Your teapot would probably be worth $50 to $75.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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