I don't know where to start with this, one of the best, most stylish and most practical garment designs to come out of WW2. Designed before the war, the zip jacket was issued from early 1941 until replaced in 1942/43 by the more common hook deck. The thinking by the Navy was the front zipper was too challenging to open whilst cold or wearing heavy gloves, and so they took inspiration from fireman's clothing of the time and changed the zip for hooks. Today the zip decks are far rarer than the already rare hook jackets, but (in my humble opinion) are a much better fit.
Built of a solid outer shell of durable blue jungle cloth, with a wool liner, these jackets were made to last in extremes. And last they did. This particular example is an earlier one, before they started printing US NAVY across the back.
Condition
This example is salty from wear, with a beautiful fade, some paint splaterings, and a few holes, and much the better she is for it. The knits are solid with a couple some small pulls on the cuffs, but nothing that would stop wearing. There was a little wear to the front left pocket which I've done a simple repair from inside to prevent further damage. The zipper is a correct talon replacement and works like a charm.
Size
- No tag, but fits a modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 23"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 24"