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 38068 was made by an unknown manufacturer, likely between October 1943 - April 1944. This jacket seems to have lived a number of lives. It looks like it was first issued to the operations room (OPER) on an unknown ship, and jacket no 1 of their supply (0001). At some point it was reissued to a Naval Air Reserve Training Unit (NARTU), being jacket no. 28 of their supply. Finally is seems to have made its way into the hands of Oreste A Morano, who enlisted in the Navy on 8th September 1945. Being born 1928, Oreste was a touch too young to see action in WW2, enlisting just 6 days after the Japanese surrender. He would serve in the Navy as a Pharmacists Mate and Dental Technician, before later joining the Marines and serving in Korea as medical staff. The beautiful "D-Division" and medical insignia on the back I assume stand for Dental!
Condition
This is worn but solid condition. Bar some thing to the fur it's in solid shape. There is great patina, the original zipper works a charm, and everything is where is should be bar one missing button.
Size
- Tagged a size 44
- Fits a modern large
- Pit to pit 24.5"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 28"