Original 1937 Dated British Rowing Blazer by 'Gieves' - SIze 36

A fantastic original British rowing blazer which was made by 'Gieves' in 1937. 

Gieves were a prolific manufacturer of clothing for the Royal Navy as well as a maker of nautical civilian clothing for many decades. This jacket was made for a member of a rowing club as is denoted by the buttons. 

The construction of the jacket is typical of the late 1930s. It is made from a cream coloured wool flannel material and features a single breasted front which fastens with three buttons. The uppermost button has been pressed over into a 'two roll three' style which was popular during this period. The notched lapels feature a typical pronounced shape seen in this era and all of the buttons, including the cuff buttons are specific to the rowing club the original owner belonged to. The cuff functions as illustrated in picture 6. This is a detail usually associated with high quality and bespoke jackets. The jacket is cut short in length which is a style referred to as 'bum freezer' and there is no rear vent - Both are again typical details from this period. 

The interior of the jacket only features a partial lining as it was intended to be worn in the hotter months of the year. There is a single interior pocket which houses the maker's label. It bears the maker's name of 'Gieves Ltd' below which is the 1937 date and the original owner's name of A W Leslie. There are two name tags fitted to the interior below the neck which read 'J. B. D. Richardson and 'F. D. F. Richardson' respectively. Assumably they were brothers who were handed down the jacket from the previous owner. 

The jacket is a smaller size which will fit around a 36" chest depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 19 1/2"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 23 3/4"
Shoulders - 17"
Length at rear - 27"

The jacket is in good condition for its age with no serious damage or flaws. It displays well and is totally wearable but there is heavy wear to the lining which is evident in the pictures. There is also some limited staining which is most notable to the rear. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn item which has some flaws commensurate with age. 

A lovely original late 1930s jacket with some great details and from a prestigious British maker.