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, contract 26131, was made by the Berk Ray Corp,T roy, NY, with a contract date of March 43, delivered by September 43.
Condition
This is in solid vintage condition. There is some fur loss around the collar, but otherwise she's solid. The OG zipper works well, though the male pin is a touch delicate - in the future this may want to be replaced, but it's currently functioning perfectly.
Size
- Tagged a 46
- Fits a modern XL
- Pit to pit 26"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 29"