The N1 deck jacket, a classic, and for most people (given their timeless cool, reasonable availability & pricing) a first piece of proper vintage to add to the wardrobe - I know my first N1 was amongst the first pieces I had. But not all N1s are created equal, the classic jacket was in use with the US Navy from early 1943 through to the early 60s, and this is a very hard to find example of the first pattern.
In early 1943 the Navy introduced a new line of redesigned clothing to help it meet its requirements across multiple theatres and areas of operations. Designated with a N (N-1, N-2 and N-3) standing for Navy, this range of clothing would improve upon previous designs, and prepare the navy for the amphibious warfare required in pacific and to land in occupied Europe. The N-1 deck jacket was a vast improvement on the previous blue jackets, retaining the thick jungle cloth, but changing to a khaki colour more suitable as camouflage. It returned to a zip closure, improved the fit, changed to a thick alpaca lining and included a draw string around the waist. For anyone who has owned both will tell you, these are much better jackets to wear in the cold.
This is the rare first pattern, most recognisable through the cuffs, which inside have the alpaca fur running almost up to the wrist. Sometime in early 1944 this would change and the fur would end where the knitted cuff is stitched in. Added to this is a double layer of alpaca lining, making these much thicker than their later siblings, a true winter warrior.
This particular contract, NSXS 38050 was made by an unknown manufacturer between October 1943 - April 1944, and the jacket was owned by a sailor named Donald Ray Schilling (B. 4/16/25) of Toledo, Ohio who sailed west in 2002. He was a medic/pharmacist 3rd class, which may account for the outstanding condition of the jacket.
Condition
This is honestly one step shy of deadstock. There is a little very faint colour variation through the jungle cloth, but otherwise she's perfect. The alpaca is perfect, the kints are perfect. the label perfect, the zip perfect. You honestly do not find 1st pattern N1s like this.
Size
- Tagged a size 44
- Fits a modern large to XL
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 21:
- Shoulder to cuff 26"
- Collar to hem 27"