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 made with pique cloth.
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.
Unfortunately I've been unable to trace the manufacturer on this, but the contract number, 80453 dates it to around Oct 1944. For some unknown reason, a very small number of contracts were made with pique cloth, similar in appearance to bedford cord (jungle cloth), but a much wider stripe to the pattern. This distinctive variation changes the look and feel quite remarkably!
Condition
This is actually in stunning condition. Don't let the dirt fool you, the cloth is amazing, not even any wearing to the cuffs! The knits are perfect, the original zip is perfect, all the original buttons and button holes are perfect. Even the tag is unusually strong, typically these have washed out. There is a little bit of wear to the alpaca around the collar, but otherwise she's good as new!
Size
- Tagged a size 38
- Fits a modern medium
- Pit to pit 21"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 26"