Original 1950s Royal Navy Duffle Coat

Original 1950s Royal Navy Duffle Coat

Code: 53854

SOLD

An original Royal Navy Duffle Coat dating from the 1950s to 1960s.

This pattern of coat was introduced during the Second World War. It replaced the earlier version which had brass pop studs around the hood. This was done as an economy measure and was left unchanged post-war. These coats stayed in production for many years and were still being produced in the late 1970s for the Royal Navy. This example has no labels so is impossible to date exactly but the construction and buttons would suggest it was made in either the 1950s or 1960s.

Duffle coats became extremely popular post-war with civilians wearing original ex-military examples such as this. They were also made by a wide variety of manufacturers during the 50s, 60s and 70s for commercial sale. This is the original however which they were all based on!

The coat is made from a thick, heavy camel hair wool which was used as it is very warm. The coat fastens with four wooden toggles to the front and features tabs which fasten at the wrists. There is also a hood which features a cotton drill tape which is fitted inside the front edge and buttons to the inside of the coat. It has a number of positions meaning the wearer can pull the hood down tightly onto their head. All buttons are white plastic examples. 

Based on the measurements, this coat is a size 1 which is the smallest size coat issued and would have been designed for someone of around a 36" - 38" chest. They are however cut in a wide, loose manner to allow them to be worn as an outer layer over a uniform. Due to this it is possible that the coat will fit larger chest sizes. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 26 1/2"
Inside arm - 19"
Outside arm - 23 1/2"
Shoulders - 21 1/2"
Length - 39"

The coat is in worn condition but is still sound and wearable. There is wear particularly to the cuffs and the top of the patch pockets and there is some limited staining. The uppermost toggle is also missing although it is still wearable without it. Overall the coat has a great look and is still very wearable but please study the pictures before purchasing. 

A nice example of this design classic in good wearable condition. Own the original!