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 in 1944 - there was the remains of a M42 Talon zipper when I got it which were used on these until mid-1944. But clearly the highlight of this is the painted back. I'm honestly not sure exactly what this is or where/when it was painted, but an educated guess given the syringe and scalpel, would be it was for either a Navy Corpsman or a sailor serving on a hospital ship. The presence of (what I believe to be) Japanese Kanji - try as I might I can't find translations - suggest this was an occupation period artwork, like done around Yokosuka Navy Base in the early postwar years. I've tried to trace the name, but unfortunately there are a few J E Clarks in the Navy register, it still might be possible given time to search for relevant ratings in Navy muster rolls.
Condition
This is in really great vintage condition. The jungle cloth is in solid condition, with only some wearing to the cuffs tips & pockets. All the buttons are originals and in perfect shape. There is a period repair to the corner of one pocket. I've replaced the main zipper with a period correct m44 Conmar. The lining has areas of wear, but generally still very thick. I have very very very carefully removed most of a stain that was sitting next to the artwork - any more cleaning could have done damage to the artwork.
Size
- No tag, but given the measurements it was likely a 38
- Fits a modern medium, it fits my 40" chest nicely
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 26"