Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[Peacoat]

Forgot to add that my coat has "U. S. Coast Guard" stenciled inside on the back and front right underneath the wearer's name/#, so definitely a USCG coat.

But it has the standard Navy tag? Does it have the Coast Guard emblem embroidered on the right sleeve?

 

[MacLean]

But it has the standard Navy tag? Does it have the Coast Guard emblem embroidered on the right sleeve?

No USCG emblem, but yes, Navy Clothing tag

 

[spoonbelly1950]

But it has the standard Navy tag? Does it have the Coast Guard emblem embroidered on the right sleeve?

My CG coat does have a printed CG tag. It doesn't however, have that little embroidered emblem. A few years ago I bought a Kersey coat that had the small emblem on the sleeve . To tell you the truth I can't remember the specifics of that coat but I did resell it as it turned out to be too small and was probably a 44 instead of a 46. I can't remember if it was a CG C. Very coincidentally I'm going to see my brother in law today who was in the CG for many, many years. Will ask him about dems CG coats.

 

[Peacoat]

My CG coat does have a printed CG tag. It doesn't however, have that little embroidered emblem. A few years ago I bought a Kersey coat that had the small emblem on the sleeve . To tell you the truth I can't remember the specifics of that coat but I did resell it as it turned out to be too small and was probably a 44 instead of a 46. I can't remember if it was a CG C. Very coincidentally I'm going to see my brother in law today who was in the CG for many, many years. Will ask him about dems CG coats.

Yes, please do. I would like to see what he remembers about them. Specifics about the tag and the emblem would be helpful.

 

[spoonbelly1950]

Yes, please do. I would like to see what he remembers about them. Specifics about the tag and the emblem would be helpful.

I made a mistake. Will be seeing my brother in law tomorrow , Friday. I have a list of questions for him.. Will probably get back to you on Sat.

 

[spoonbelly1950]

Yes, please do. I would like to see what he remembers about them. Specifics about the tag and the emblem would be helpful.

Hello Peacoat - He was not issued a peacoat when he started CG. He said it was because he started as a non comm, officer. Probably better than that he was working a couple of weeks ago with someone who works for the Uniform Historian of The CG. He said he will email or text me his contact information. He couldn't help me much, and had the same basic information that we knew. He did say that maybe through the CGUH we could contact the Navy Uniform Historian. These might turn out to be fruitful. Will forward what I can get to you ASAP. He said in a couple to a few days. Should I ask him if he was issued a bridge coat?

 

[spoonbelly1950]

Hello Peacoat - He was not issued a peacoat when he started CG. He said it was because he started as a non comm, officer. Probably better than that he was working a couple of weeks ago with someone who works for the Uniform Historian of The CG. He said he will email or text me his contact information. He couldn't help me much, and had the same basic information that we knew. He did say that maybe through the CGUH we could contact the Navy Uniform Historian. These might turn out to be fruitful. Will forward what I can get to you ASAP. He said in a couple to a few days. Should I ask him if he was issued a bridge coat?

He said that small embroidered emblem was the "Coast Guard Shield". He entered the CG in 1979.

 

[spoonbelly1950]

He said that small embroidered emblem was the "Coast Guard Shield". He entered the CG in 1979.

He said that small embroidered emblem was the "Coast Guard Shield". He entered the CG in 1979.

He said that small embroidered emblem was the "Coast Guard Shield". He entered the CG in 1979.

Peacoat - Their whole house came down with Covid. Will get back to you

 

[Peacoat]

Hello Peacoat - Should I ask him if he was issued a bridge coat?

As an NCO, he wasn't issued a bridge coat; he would have had to have bought it himself, or he could have worn a peacoat. When reaching the rank of E-7, the first thing a Navy chief is going to buy is a bridge coat. Probably not two in 100 continue to wear their peacoats.

 

[spoonbelly1950]

As an NCO, he wasn't issued a bridge coat; he would have had to have bought it himself, or he could have worn a peacoat. When reaching the rank of E-7, the first thing a Navy chief is going to buy is a bridge coat. Probably not two in 100 continue to wear their peacoats.

will get back to him soon.

 

[spoonbelly1950]

will get back to him soon.

Peacoat Will be seeing the brother in law on Wed. They just went through Covid and then their basement flooded. Hopefully the Uniform Historians can help you with information.

 

[Bolex]

I have now managed to get a peacoat photos to follow once dry cleaned has a musty smell i believe it is a late 50s this one seems to fit me thanks to reading fedora guide second time lucky after a ww2 was far too tight on me ! its missing one anchor button but i cant seem to find a uk seller on ebay that has any in stock 30mm . One ebay seller has the original bakelite 8 button set taken off an unnsalvageable peacoat but wanting nearly 20 british pound with postage i only paid 38 for the coat off a peacoat regular seller in uk . does anyone know where i can source a button from in the uk thanks either original or reproduction .

 

[Peacoat]

The dry cleaning should have removed the musty odor. Perhaps you could invest in an ozone generator. I have and it works a treat.

I don't know about UK eBay, but those buttons are usually available on US eBay and relatively inexpensive.

 

[Bolex]

The dry cleaning should have removed the musty odor. Perhaps you could invest in an ozone generator. I have and it works a treat.

I don't know about UK eBay, but those buttons are usually available on US eBay and relatively inexpensive.

Sorry meant to say i am getting it dry cleaned tomorrow will be interesting to see what affect it has

 

[Peacoat]

Sorry meant to say i am getting it dry cleaned tomorrow will be interesting to see what affect it has

That is basically what you said. My reading comprehension skills must have been on pause.

I think the dry cleaning will remove the odor and give your peacoat shell a like new appearance. Let us know how it goes. PC

 

[Bolex]

That is basically what you said. My reading comprehension skills must have been on pause.

I think the dry cleaning will remove the odor and give your peacoat shell a like new appearance. Let us know how it goes. PC

Unfortunately even after the dry cleaners put the coat twice through there process there was some lingering smell some people may not have been bothered by it but i noticed it still . They said it could be where it had stored in a damp environment . I paid 35 for it plus 20 for dry cleaners so just hoping to get my money bk . It is a lovely coat though kersey wool

 

[Peacoat]

Unfortunately even after the dry cleaners put the coat twice through there process there was some lingering smell some people may not have been bothered by it but i noticed it still . They said it could be where it had stored in a damp environment . I paid 35 for it plus 20 for dry cleaners so just hoping to get my money bk . It is a lovely coat though kersey wool

I'm surprised the cleaners didn't get the odor out.

You might get an ozone generator. I have had good results with them removing odors.

 

[Doctor Damage]

USN uniforms illustrated in 1912. Note the enlisted man's peacoat at upper-right. That's the early version which was a bit longer and had handwarmer pockets above skirt pockets.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Here's a double-page spread from an old USN pamphlet on joining the Navy.
You can see the whole pamphlet here: LINK

 

[Tropic of Capricorn]

Hey all! Novice here who recently picked up my very first vintage US navy peacoat from eBay. It just arrived in the mail this afternoon. I wanted to share some photos before it goes to the dry cleaners—and send out a few inquiries.

Based on Peacoat’s incredibly useful and comprehensive guide to dating pieces, I believe that, based on its tag, what I purchased is from 1949. As such, I am assuming that it is made of Kersey wool.

A few observations on the fabric and fit (fit pics forthcoming after it comes back from the cleaners):

- It has great body and is quite structured as opposed to being “spongy” or “drape-y”
- Very heavy—I can already tell that it will keep me quite toasty during Northeastern winters
- I usually wear a size 36S (36.5 chest, 31.5 waist, 5’5, 136 lbs); the coat is 36R. Overall, it’s looks quite boxy on me but not overly so. I can wear layers underneath, quite possibly even thick sweaters.
- Coat's shoulders are just slightly wider than mine; no problem as I will probably fill it out when I wear thick sweaters
- Surprisingly, it’s not too long as I initially feared, could be shorter but still looks well-proportioned on me to my eye.

What is bothering me, though, is the sleeve length—it’s about 1/2” longer than the recommended length (i.e., 3/4 of length between wrist and base of fingers). I know that the 1949 vintage is known for its two rows of stitching 3” above the cuff and one row just above. Still, should I proceed to have the sleeve length altered or should I just leave it alone and preserve the proportion of the above.

In terms of condition, overall, the coat is structurally sound, which is amazing given that it’s already 75 years old.

- No tears or holes in the lining
- No loose seams
- Armpit seams are still good though a portion of the lining stitching (around 1”) has started to be undone
- Buttonhole stitching still tight and with minimal wear
- Buttons are complete, only two needs tightening
- No stains, discoloration or tears in the shell fabric

(Stitching for right armpit still quite sound and tight except for a small portion where it has loosened a bit)

What it has though are quite a number of “patches” where the fabric (see photos) seems to have been rubbed off / thinned out (or are these moth holes?). Most of these are quite small (almost imperceptible, you’d have to really look for them--I think the dark navy color helps hide them) though there a couple that are a bit larger. The latter, at first glance, aren’t particularly obvious as well though not sure if it will be the same under brighter / sunnier natural light.

A relatively small patch where the fabric seems to have worn out

A few worn-looking areas on the right upper sleeve, one near the sleevehead is relatively larger

Another area showing a relatively large patch of wear

I understand that a mint or near-mint 75-year-old peacoat are hard to come by—and are probably way more expensive that the $78 I paid for mine (incl. of shipping)—but may I know if these “patches” are quite common for peacoats of similar age / vintage?

Do later pieces (60s/70s) generally have less of these by virtue of being newer (assuming "ordinary" level of use and care by previous owner)?

Thanks in advance for the advice, fellas!