What a spectacular, very special piece this is! I've seen a few of these patched souvenir jackets, but never a denim one! This wonderful piece is 1940 US Army denim coverall, but it's not that which standouts outs, it's the 80+ WW2 patches that have been sewn on. From what I understand, this was short lived fad in the very early postwar years. Sons & daughters of serviceman would take their old uniforms and collect patches from the local veterans. Rather unusually, even for these rare pieces, this has a combination of American & British insignia, and some particularly rare ones. Included amongst the best are a black backed "SOE" British parachute wing, a hand-embroidered silk 1st Marine Division Guadalcanal SSI, the pair of Italian made leather patches belonging to a crew member from the 461st bomb group, 765th Bomb Squadron. There are well in excess of $2000 or patches on there alone, but as they say, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. This is a stunning piece of vintage, as unique as it is beautiful.
Condition
This is in great vintage condition. The denim is strong with no damage and a nice fade to the colour. Some of the handstitching has come loose, but none of the patches at risk and nothing that could no be easily fixed.
Size
- Tag is faded but fits modern medium
- Pit to pit 21"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 30"