The US Navy had introduced a black flannel shirt for Officers and Chiefs in the 1920s to provide an additional layer of warmth which was worn whilst at sea. These popular garments went through a number of changes in their lifetime, starting with no pockets, then two pockets in the 20s, one pockets during early WW2, and back to two pockets later in the war. This particular shirt is a mid/late-war two pocket version, with a printed Naval Clothing Factory tag indicating a manufacturing date around 1944/45. This is one of those pieces, timelessly cool, built to last and surprisingly warm!
Condition
This is in unbelievably good condition! The colour of the images doesn't do it justice, it's a very dark navy, practically black - the closest colour picture is the shot with the denim & watch cap. Given the wool fabric, most of these have been savaged by moths, shrunk and torn through use. There is one tiny catch on the lower front (last picture next to the coin), but otherwise she's perfect. I'm not sure whether this has been used or washed much at all!
Size
- Tagged a 16 1/2 but fits like a modern large
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 23"
- Collar to hem 29.5"