Whilst the denim pullover style may be popular with the vintage crowd, you may be surprised to find out that it was not popular with soldiers. Almost since the basic pattern was first introduced in 1908, soldiers had complained about the fatigue jumper's awkward pullover design, and asked instead for a coat-style jacket with a full-button front. For an equal period of time (barring a brief moment in 1917) the Quartermaster Corps refused to accommodate them, perhaps because the pullover style was marginally less expensive to manufacture in an era when the QMC counted pennies on every contract. It was estimate that over half of the denim pullovers given to the CCC had been ripped down the front to make them into a jacket! In 1940 the army finally relented and issued the very short lived denim coverall. As the war got swept along it would soon be replaced by HBT and OD fatigues, so these are hard to find, and much sought after!
Condition
This is in great vintage condition, she's seen honest wear but with that comes amazing fades, colour and character. The fades on the sleeves are honestly some of the best I've ever seen, the type that can only come with time and use! The tag is present but faded, the buttons all original, present & correct, and finally there is a laundry number stamped in the collar so the potential for a research project. There are a couple of small holes here and there, which the new owner might want to gently patch from the inside, but to be honest it does nothing to the jacket and I would leave it. There is a very faded stain to the reverse shoulder, but again I think it all adds to the look.
Size
- Tag is faded but fits modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 23.5"
- Collar to hem 28"