Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[Peacoat]

As @ZenEdge noted above, this is a 1967 peacoat. It is also an officer's coat, or a reefer. It has the gold buttons as well as the loops on the shoulders to hold insignia shoulder boards. Chiefs are also authorized to wear this coat. Officers wear rank on the shoulders; Chiefs do not.

But all of this is moot as both officers and Chiefs are now authorized to wear the Bridgecoat. The Bridecoat was developed for officers as a watch coat over 100 years ago. Chiefs were more recently authorized to wear it–maybe during the 1950s? The first thing a Petty Officer First Class does when he makes Chief is to sell his peacoat and buy a bridgecoat.

 

[Albe64]

Hi, just wanted to know if a label reading “Trenton Sportswear Inc” is a legit one

 

[Peacoat]

Hi, just wanted to know if a label reading “Trenton Sportswear Inc” is a legit one

What else is on the tag?

 

[Albe64]

What else is on the tag?

 

[Peacoat]

Yes, it is as legit as they come. 1968 contract number.

 

[Kfz]

kersey wool : heavy n dense , better wind n water resistance. But more stiff n rigid. Melton wool: soft n drape better . But less wind resistant. Comfy make it the modern choice

 

[Pantxo]

About 5 years ago i came across @Peacoat thread about vintage Us Navy peacoats and the dating on them. I subsequently began my hunt for one. Well.... buying one wasnt enough (just like the leather jackets bug), i ended up purchasing 3, all from Ebay, as that was my only option here down under. I have to say that the build quality of these coats is second to none. These would cost well over a thousand dolllars if they were made like this in todays market. My wife is very upset that she cannot even buy a quality 100% wool coat that comes close to my coats. I have enjoyed wearing these the last few winters here along with my leather jackets. Accoding to the tags on the inside jackets, i have 2 with identical tags which i believe would indicate from 1966, and the other one from world war 2 era, but not sure what year, hoping @Peacoat would take a look.

I have the same looking tag on 2 coats (1966) have the tag below with pics of me wearing one of them.
View attachment 449946
View attachment 449947

The tag below from world war 2 era? and pics of me wearing.
View attachment 449949

View attachment 449950

Hi Nick,
I really like the fit of your Peacoats on you; I was wondering about how tall and heavy you are? I'm trying to buy a Navy issued Peacoat but I'm a little lost with the sizing. I am 5'9" and a 164 lbs with a 39 inch chest and looks like I might be about your body type from looking at your pics.

 

[Peacoat]

Hi Nick,
I really like the fit of your Peacoats on you; I was wondering about how tall and heavy you are? I'm trying to buy a Navy issued Peacoat but I'm a little lost with the sizing. I am 5'9" and a 164 lbs with a 39 inch chest and looks like I might be about your body type from looking at your pics.

Toward the end of the Peacoat Dating Guide, there is a section on sizing to help the prospective buyer get the right size when buying online. The link is below. Scroll to almost the end.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/peacoat-dating.35824/

 

[Pantxo]

Toward the end of the Peacoat Dating Guide, there is a section on sizing to help the prospective buyer get the right size when buying online. The link is below. Scroll to almost the end.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/peacoat-dating.35824/

Got it! That was very good!

 

[nickv]

Hi Nick,
I really like the fit of your Peacoats on you; I was wondering about how tall and heavy you are? I'm trying to buy a Navy issued Peacoat but I'm a little lost with the sizing. I am 5'9" and a 164 lbs with a 39 inch chest and looks like I might be about your body type from looking at your pics.

Hi Pantxo,
i also am 5'9" weigh a bit less 70 kgs (154lbs) and a 39-40 inch chest. The tags on all my vintage peacoats show 36R sizing.
Cheers Nick.

 

[2shoes]

Hi, I'm a new member. I was inquiring about Navy Peacoats and saw the information from Bartender. Very informative. I acquired a Peacoat from a friend that we thought was his dad's from WW11. It was kept in a hope chest for decades. But after reading your article I think it is maybe from WW1. It has 10, 13 star and anchor buttons, lower flap pockets, no corduroy pocket lining, not tapered fit. No stitching on cuff. I would like to confirm. It is in really nice condition. Also would like to get an idea of it's value.

 

[Peacoat]

Hi, I'm a new member. I was inquiring about Navy Peacoats and saw the information from Bartender. Very informative. I acquired a Peacoat from a friend that we thought was his dad's from WW11. It was kept in a hope chest for decades. But after reading your article I think it is maybe from WW1. It has 10, 13 star and anchor buttons, lower flap pockets, no corduroy pocket lining, not tapered fit. No stitching on cuff. I would like to confirm. It is in really nice condition. Also would like to get an idea of it's value.

Please post a picture of the tag and a picture of the coat from the front, along with a measurement down the back of he jacket from the seam where the collar attaches to the body to the hem at the bottom.

Odd that your friend wouldn't know whether his dad was in WWI or WWII? From your description, it sounds like WWI to me.

What size is it? That will affect the value.

 

[Pantxo]

Could it be an Officer's Coat (Bridgecoat, Reefer)?

 

[Tom71]

Hi, I'm a new member. I was inquiring about Navy Peacoats and saw the information from Bartender. Very informative. I acquired a Peacoat from a friend that we thought was his dad's from WW11. It was kept in a hope chest for decades. But after reading your article I think it is maybe from WW1. It has 10, 13 star and anchor buttons, lower flap pockets, no corduroy pocket lining, not tapered fit. No stitching on cuff. I would like to confirm. It is in really nice condition. Also would like to get an idea of it's value.

I am pretty sure its the model produced from 1918 onwards. Considerably elongated fit compared to the later models (1930 and WW2) and with the flap pockets that have been omitted for the WW2 model (which the 1930s model still had, if I remember correctly).

The officers coat would be really, really long (knee lenght) and would have a pronounced bell-shape (again, if I remember correctly).

 

[Peacoat]

Yes, a bridgecoat would be below the knees.

What size is the coat?

 

[Pantxo]

Hi Pantxo,
i also am 5'9" weigh a bit less 70 kgs (154lbs) and a 39-40 inch chest. The tags on all my vintage peacoats show 36R sizing.
Cheers Nick.

Hi Nick,
I ended up buying a 40R Navy Peacoat and though I am 40R, it fit too loose. After much thought, I am set that the 36R would be the best fit for me. So as we seem to have a similar body type, just confirming that at 5'9"- 39-40 inch chest a 36R is the best fit. I suppose they make them slightly oversize to allow for layers under the coat?

 

[nickv]

Hi Nick,
I ended up buying a 40R Navy Peacoat and though I am 40R, it fit too loose. After much thought, I am set that the 36R would be the best fit for me. So as we seem to have a similar body type, just confirming that at 5'9"- 39-40 inch chest a 36R is the best fit. I suppose they make them slightly oversize to allow for layers under the coat?

Yes, i would think a 36R would be a better fit for you.

 

[Dudley]

I have five vintage peacoast, spanning most era's from WWII to post Viet Nam. Interested in thoughts regarding keeping Kersey wool in good shape and moth free. Read the various comments in this thread about keeping food off the jacket and dry cleaning before placing in storage. Makes sense....do not eat a Philly cheese steak or greasy tacos from the roach coach in this jacket. That should be rule #1. If you practice this golden rule, must you still clean the jacket every year? Dry cleaning is harsh on wool. Filson, the outfitter that has been making mens wool work wear for over 100 years indicates dry cleaning should be a last resort. Brushing off dirt, and removing orders by tumble drying a DRY coat. I hang my jackets (pea coats and Filson Cruisers) outside to freshen them up. Thoughts.

 

[Peacoat]

I no longer dry clean mine after the season is over. A simple brushing seems to be all it needs. Of course I follow the #1 rule to not eat while wearing the coat. Didn't follow this rule years ago when I spent time in NYC as we lived in them back them. The clubs and music venues were cool inside, so it made sense to leave the coat on. That also prevented theft. Can't imagine having to get home in 18º weather without my peacoat.

Welcome to TFL. PC

 

[Dudley]

Thank you Peaccoat. Your research on peacoat's was so helpful to me during my search for these amazing coats. I collect many types of old vintage wool coats, such as Filson and Woolrich. Trying to move toward more natural fibers, which turns out are just as effective as modern day materials for warmth and weather. Peacoat are a new category for me. I love wearing them!!! Thanks again for your work!!!