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. This particular jacket is very unusual in the it was made on contract number NXss 22342, putting it's manufacturing date in January 1943, but also makes it the earliest known N1 one I've ever come across.
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 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 Talon 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, through one little area of wear beneath the right pocket. The lining and collar have some tiny areas of wear, but generally still very thick.
Size
- Tagged a size 40
- Fits a modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 23"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 27"