The classic, red RAF tie. Though not OFFICIALLY a piece of RAF uniform, the red tie is often more associated with post war social clubs and more informal dress. The Royal Flying Corps (RFC), which later became the RAF in 1918, had formal uniforms with black or dark blue ties, rather than red.

The history behind the red tie is HEAVILY debated however, this piece is very interesting in that it’s dated 1918. It also has the wartime marking (Broad Arrow) on it. We know that the RFC became the RAF in 1918, which is the year that WW1 ended so that puts this heavily debated piece in a very interesting time indeed.

Around 1 meter or 39 inches in length, it has flat ends and as mentioned, the wartime marking stamped on it with “R.A.F” and “1918” stamped underneath. There are only TWO stitches that aren’t perfect (see photos) but aside from some typical wrinkling of the fabric, it’s in excellent condition. A debated piece and dated 1918, the end of WW1 and the same year the RFC became the RAF.