A truly iconic American clothing brand, and it's most iconic garment. Founded in 1897, Filson was founded in an era of great economic expansion in the pacific northwest. The Klondike Gold Rush drew prospectors from the US, sending them north in Canada in search of their fortunes. In the midst of this, the then 47 year old CC Filson opened a store supplying the best in outdoor clothing & workwear. In 1914 he would apply for a patent for a woool jacket with four pockets to the front, and a large pocket to the rear, and this Cruising Coat was bornn. Worn on the backs of woodsmen, workers and hunters for over 100 years, this truly is an American classic.
This example is a 'Fil-Clo', from the period of the 1930s - early 40s when CC Filson changed it's name. And even more peculiarly, this jacket does not feature one of Filson's iconic design features, the branded enamel buttons. Why could this be? Whilst I'm not 100% sure there are two plausible explanations. Firstly, when the brand simply ran out of enamel buttons they may have used black, or to my mind more likely, this was made during the early war years during rationing, and the enamel buttons were switched for a classic United Carr Company black button.
Condition
This is in amazing shape, there is one tiny knick near the hem, approx 1/4" in length, but otherwise she's perfect. The often shredded Fil-Clo label is even is great shape!
Size
- No tag but fits medium with short sleeves
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 21.5"
- Collar to hem 28"