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.
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 example was made on a December 1944 contract by United Sheeplined Clothing Co, Long Branch, NJ. It's faintly stencilled to the USS Sealion, a Balao class submarine that operated in the Pacific during the war.
Condition
Used but excellent condition. Good strong colour to the tag and USN stamp, original Talon zipper works well, the fur is thick and the jungle cloth in great shape. There is some light wearing and a few marks to the shell, and a couple of small moth nips on the cuffs. An excellent example of a much loved classic.
Size
- Tagged a 36
- Fits a modern medium, it fits my 40" chest snuggly
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 27"