Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Materials:
Leather
Fur
Elastic
Cotton
Dimensions:
Clothing (Right Glove): 23.5 x 15.2 x 2.5cm (9 1/4 x 6 x 1 in.)
Clothing (Left Glove): 23.8 x 15.2 x 2.5cm (9 3/8 x 6 x 1 in.)
Type:
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Handwear
Country of Origin:
Italy
Physical Description:
Regia Aeronautica flying gloves; black leather with shearling lining on inside top of the glove.
Summary:
These are an example of intermediate weight flying gloves issued to pilots and aircrews of the Regia Aeronautica during World War II.
These shoes were worn in combat by 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.
Credit Line:
Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus
Inventory Number:
A20110371000
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv92123f240-be53-4f63-8cb5-f5c9dd8bc30b
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A20110371000