Wow, just wow. It's pieces like this which is why we get into vintage, it's up there with my favourite pieces that I've ever found. This is an absolutely stunning sport training sweatshirt made for the USAF Mitchel Air Force Base basketball team in the very late 1940s to early 1950s. The use of AFB makes this 1947 at the earliest, and the manufacturer, Be - Len mfg co, a New York based sporting goods company was dissolved by May 1951, dating this to a few short years from 1947-51.
It's beautifully made for no. 16 on the team with a nylon/satin shell and felt wool lining. It features Rau Fastening Co studs often found on WW2 garments. To my mind, the highlight is the hand-stitched multi-piece Air Force meatball on the chest. A stunning piece of absolutely Grade-A vintage in perfect condition.
Condition
Deadstock, it still has the paper tag in the collar and size tag in the pocket.
Size
- Tagged a 44
- Fits a medium - large
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20" (approx)
- Shoulder to cuff 24" (approx)
- Collar to hem 24"