Vintage US Navy Peacoat Label History From WW2 until Now - Rare Gear USA
Vintage US Navy Peacoat Label History From WW2 until Now - Rare Gear USA
Dating a vintage U.S. Navy peacoat involves examining specific characteristics that evolved over time, including labels, buttons, pocket styles, and contract numbers. Here's a guide to help you determine the era of your peacoat:
World War I Era (1910s–1920s)
- Material: Heavy kersey wool, known for its smooth and durable texture.
- Buttons: 13-star buttons, symbolizing the original 13 U.S. colonies.
- Pockets: Both hand-warmer pockets (chest-level) and lower flap pockets were present.
- Labels: No standardized labeling, though some early examples may have simple tags or stamps indicating the Navy Clothing Factory.
World War II Era (1939–1945)
- Material: Thick kersey wool, designed for extreme durability and warmth at sea.
- Buttons: Large fouled anchor buttons replaced the 13-star design.
- Pockets: Lowered hand-warmer corduroy pockets for easier access. Flap pockets were removed.
- Labels: Common label reads “Manufactured by Navy Clothing Factory,” often with anchor symbols in the corners.
1947 – 1956
- Material: Retained thick kersey wool but saw minor refinements in construction.
- Buttons: Continued use of the large fouled anchor design.
- Pockets: Hand-warmer corduroy pockets remained, with consistent placement.
- Labels: Now marked “Naval Clothing Depot” or "Clothing Supply Office"
1956 – 1965
- Material: Still kersey wool but slightly lighter than WWII versions.
- Buttons: No significant change from prior decades.
- Pockets: Standardized lower hand-warmer pockets.
- Labels: Changed to read simply “U.S. Navy.”
1965–1970s
- Material: Transition from kersey wool to melton wool, which had a rougher texture but remained durable.
- Buttons: Fouled anchor buttons persisted, some have metal buttons
- Pockets: No major design changes.
- Labels: Contract numbers were introduced, beginning with DSA-1 (1962–1964) and DSA-100 (1965–1977). These numbers can be used to date coats precisely.
1980s–2000s
- Material: Primarily melton wool, which became the standard fabric.
- Buttons: Standardized fouled anchor design.
- Pockets: No major design differences from earlier models.
- Labels: Continued use of contract numbers, with prefixes changing over time (e.g., DLA for the Defense Logistics Agency).
By examining these features, you can determine the approximate era of a vintage U.S. Navy peacoat. If you need help identifying a specific coat, details like label text, button design, and wool type can provide strong clues.