One of the most iconic, most recognisable and most in demand pieces of vintage military clothing on the planet! I get more requests for hook deck jackets than anything else, and it's an absolute pleasure to present this beauty for sale.
The hook deck jackets were introduced in the later part of 1942 when the zip closure on the 'jungle cloth jackets (blue winter type)' proved difficult to open and close in gloves. The navy looked to firefighters and lifted the hook closure from their heavy outer coats.
This particular jacket is from one of the first hook contracts, 14680. This contract is slight unusual in that you can find both zip and hook decks, a sign that the pattern changed in the middle of the manufacturing run. This contract, made by Mario G Mirabelli of Elizabeth, NJ, was ordered September 1942 and delivered by December 1942. Note that this is a rare 7 hook version, with most of the ones I've come across having 6 hooks.
Built of a tough jungle cloth shell with a wool lining, these deck jackets were built to last, and like this one, many were worn hard. And much the better this looks for it, the perfect fade, and just enough salt to keep it beautiful.
Condition
This is in well used but solid condition. The jungle cloth is heavily faded, with a couple of small repairs to the shoulder and sleeve, and I believe the cuffs and waist have been replaced at some point, with a high-quality of workmanship. As ever with one of these, I wouldn't recommend constant wear, but she's in very good, wearable condition!
Size
- Tagged a 38
- Fits like a perfect modern medium
- Pit to pit 22.5"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 25"