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 from the first two contracts, both issued in January 1943.
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 particular jacket was made by Perry Sportswear Inc. (who are famous for making A2 leather bombers) sometime between January 43 and October 1943 when the contract was completed, and was made around the same time as the last of the much sought-after blue hook deck jackets (the final contact for which was awarded in March 1943).
This is the 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.
Condition
This is in used vintage condition, the perfect N1. Remarkably, the original Conmar bell zipper is in perfect working order with the insert in great shape! The USN stamp is super clear, the label is present and readable, and the jungle cloth in generally very good condition with some super awesome patina. The lining had areas of wear, but generally still very thick.There are areas of wear around the cuffs of the jacket, the seams of the arms and the pockets - pretty much a standard on all N1s. I've replaced the buttons with period correct khaki military buttons and sewn on professionally with WW2 issued thread.
Size
- Tagged a size 42
- Fits a modern large/XL
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 26"