WW2 ERA SURPLUS PEACOAT 40R/42R

[Gaz]

WW2 Era peacoat with 8 buttons. This style was issued from the end of WW1 through WW2 and shortly after.

Made from a heavy 32oz kersey, in a deep navy color (looks black unless you're in bright light/direct sun). This was changed to a 80/20 melton after the war.

Features a single vent back, two hand warmer pockets (lined with corduroy, a feature abandoned after the war). Includes the throat latch, (often missing) and has the full heavy rayon lining. Lining does have a minor tear, of which a photo is included. Has 9 of the 10 buttons that it came with. Two have fallen off since I took the photos, they were barely hanging on.

The tag is the typical design used during wartime most likely 1943, and the writing on it indicates a possible '45 issue. There is also a faint but visible stenciling of the sailor's name, same one that 's written on the tag.

Approximate Measurements
armpit to armpit: 22.25"
Sleeve (Shoulder to Cuff): 25.75"
shoulder to shoulder: 20"
length in back (back of the collar to bottom): 32.25"

All measurements were taken with the garment laid out flat. Fits like a 40/42R.

Came across this a while ago. Intended to use it but was relocated to somewhere far too warm, so it's not much use to me.

Asking $300 for it. The 6 button models are a dime a dozen. Actual 32oz with throat latch and corduroy are much harder to come across.

 

[Peacoat]

Two minor points of clarification:

1. This particular style of peacoat was introduced in either 1934 or 1936 (I can't remember which)* and continued to be issued until about 1945. They were authorized for wear through the 60s and perhaps beyond.

2. The Kersey shell used in this style peacoat continued to be used through 1979, with one or two exceptions. And the weight remained the same in the 6 button models until the Melton shell was introduced in 1980.

But you are dead on about the important point: This style coat is rare and hard to find.

As you must have an interest in peacoats to have sought out and purchased such a highly coveted coat, you may find this guide of interest:
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-dating-the-united-states-navy-peacoat.72058/
_____
* I believe it was the 1934 Naval Uniform Regulations that changed to this style. I need to go back and look at the 1934 regulations. Don't think they had a change in the Regs in 1936.

 

[Gav]

Too small for me otherwise I would have this for sure. GLWS

 

[Terminator]

PM sent

 

[Gaz]

Sir,

I actually came across your guide a while back and found it fascinating. Thanks so much for writing that. Also thank you for the information regarding the more specific date range of issuance, and how long they used kersey wool for.

Do you have a date range for when the navy went down from the 8 button front to the 6 button?

Two minor points of clarification:

1. This particular style of peacoat was introduced in either 1934 or 1936 (I can't remember which)* and continued to be issued until about 1945. They were authorized for wear through the 60s and perhaps beyond.

2. The Kersey shell used in this style peacoat continued to be used through 1979, with one or two exceptions. And the weight remained the same in the 6 button models until the Melton shell was introduced in 1980.

But you are dead on about the important point: This style coat is rare and hard to find.

As you must have an interest in peacoats to have sought out and purchased such a highly coveted coat, you may find this guide of interest:
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-dating-the-united-states-navy-peacoat.72058/
_____
* I believe it was the 1934 Naval Uniform Regulations that changed to this style. I need to go back and look at the 1934 regulations. Don't think they had a change in the Regs in 1936.

 

[Peacoat]

Sir,
Do you have a date range for when the navy went down from the 8 button front to the 6 button?

Yes, either just after the war or right at the end of the war in 1945.

Further information about your coat:

It is a size 42 coat. These are hard to find in the WWII coats.

From the label, I date this contract to 1943.

 

[Gaz]

Yes, either just after the war or right at the end of the war in 1945.

Further information about you coat:

It is a size 42 coat. These are hard to find in the WWII coats.

From the label, I date this contract to 1943.

That's awesome information. Do the label's differ much from year to year during the war?

 

[Peacoat]

That's awesome information. Do the label's differ much from year to year during the war?

Little late in responding, but I just saw your question.

The mid to late 30s tag was embroidered. Later years added lines for name and rate. In about 1943 the same label was used, but it was printed. Your tag is printed, so it would be about 1943. The words "100% Wool Exclusive of Ornamentation" were added later in the war, probably about 1944. In about 1945 a line was added for the size. In about 1947 the line for the size was eliminated, to be added back in about 1949 along with lines for the service number and the contract number.

 

[O'DubhGhaill]

As usual, Peacoat is spot on.

Jeff Warner, in his tome, "U.S. Navy Uniforms and Insignia 1943-1946," states that the "MANUFACTURED BY NAVAL CLOTHING FACTORY" with "Name" line over "Rate" line was fully embroidered through 1942 and "in approximately 1943, Naval Clothing Factory labels were printed rather than embroidered. This method was quicker than embroidering them and these labels were less expensive to produce." Id. at p.120.

Further, he writes, "in approximately 1944, labels were printed with '100% wool exclusive of ornamentation' added and 'Service No.' replaced 'Rate.' The size of the garment was also added." Id.

"In 1945, Naval Clothing 'Depot' replaced 'Factory' on clothing labels." Id. "The final type of clothing label used during World War II were similar to the previous Naval Clothing label, but included a line for contract number information" with a blank line after "SIZE." Id. He also states that "also at this time, the size of the garment was hand written in a space provided rather than printed on the label from the factory." Id.

 

[Peacoat]

He is mostly accurate, with the exception of when the "Depot" tag was placed in service. According to my records, that happened well after the war, probably between 1947 and 1949. I need to look into this book. Didn't know of its existence until just now.

 

[O'DubhGhaill]

He is mostly accurate, with the exception of when the "Depot" tag was placed in service. According to my records, that happened well after the war, probably between 1947 and 1949. I need to look into this book. Didn't know of its existence until just now.

It's an excellent book, but not cheap. I am going to next buy the volume preceding this one, covering USN 1940-1942. I do have his volume, "Sailors in Forest Green - USN Personnel Attached to the USMC" and it is equally exhaustive.

 

[Gaz]

Bump

 

[Jasper54]

PM sent

 

[Gaz]

SOLD