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 example is named to Gunner's Mate Petty Officer 1st Class Milford Carrol Bledsoe, born 18 Oct 1925, died 24 Nov 1994. Bledsoe served in the US Navy in both WW2 and Korea, serving aboard the USS Bauxite and the USS Buttress in WW2, and the USS Great Sitkin during Korea. His grave can be seen here.
Condition
This is in really great vintage condition, don't let the patina fool you, she's got it where it counts and is in solid shape. The jungle cloth is in excellent condition with no damage. There is some discolouration throughout, and some light staining to one sleeve, I've cleaned it and she's good to wear! I've replaced the main zipper with a period correct Conmar and replaced missing buttons with matching replacements. There is a little balding to the lining near the collar, but otherwise she's good.
Size
- No tag, but likely it would have been a 40 - it matches my 40 perfectly
- Fits a modern medium - large
- Pit to pit 23"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 26"