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, but most of the examples remaining today are worn to hell. It's extremely rare to find one in quite as good condition as this. Furthermore, the early pre-war zip jackets never had the back stencil, this only appeared on later versions, making this an even more desirable piece. It helps that the stencil on this is absolutely perfect. Plus is has an awesome Seabees patch period sewn onto the sleeve!
This is a really rare opportunity to grab one of this in stunning, nigh-on perfect condition. There is even a thin cotton lot number tag still in the pocket - I've literally never seen that before!!
Condition
This is in seriously great condition, The original Talon zipper work perfectly, even a little stiff from under-use. There is a little variation in the colour of the cloth (honestly the photos don't do it justice, its a strong blue), a few moth holes in the knits, particularly around the collar, and tiny bit wearing to the seam on one cuff, but otherwise she's great. It's an outstanding piece in a very wearable size.
Size
- Tagged a 44
- Fits like a modern large
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 26"
- Collar to hem 26.5"