Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[Dinerman]

Surplus WWI coats sold in the early 1930s through Sears, along with other WWI surplus.

 

[Slobo]

Great find there Dinerman. Ad is dated 1933. I wonder when this version with the extra waist flap pockets and Star+Anchor buttons gave way to the version with just the ****** handwarmer pockets and simple anchor buttons.

 

[Peacoat]

Great find there Dinerman. Ad is dated 1933. I wonder when this version with the extra waist flap pockets and Star+Anchor buttons gave way to the version with just the ****** handwarmer pockets and simple anchor buttons.

As always, a good job Dinerman.

Yes, this coat is what I call the WWI peacoat. Its successor was the WWII peacoat which gave way to the modern peacoat shortly after the war.

 

[Slobo]

Peacoat, yes that was the version used in WW2 but do we know when the specs changed? When were they first issued?

 

[Peacoat]

My guess would be mid to late 30s. That's about as good as I can do. If you find out, let us know.

 

[chesapeake]

While researching a peacoat I just bought, I ran across this forum and thread. I paid $35 shipped. It is in perfect condition. I have signed up, but apparently I can't post pictures or pm anyone. I am just looking to see what this coat dates too. It is made by Sterlingware Exclusivley for DS CP according to the tags. Contract number SP0100-98-D-1017

44R
8405-01-154-5797

My email is [email protected]

Thanks

Ted

 

[Peacoat]

It is a current issue coat from about 1998.

 

[blacksby]

Hello, I'm new to this place.

I picked up a peacoat last winter and didn't know much about it, other than that it fit pretty good and was the warmest thing i've ever worn..
then I find this thread/forum and my curiousity has me crazy.
I haven't photo'd the coat yet but here are some details as I'd appreciate any help in dating it and learning a bit.

-It's dark navy
-It has the tan corduroy pockets
-All the tags were removed
-It has no stencils of anyone's names
-It has a throat latch
-It has stitching about 3" up the sleeve, but not a double row, just a single.
-Dark shiny lining.

THANKS, TB

 

[PaidInFull24]

Does it have 10 buttons down the front (8 showing) or 8 buttons down the front (6 showing)?

 

[blacksby]

10 with 8 showing.
Also, can button both left or right
thx

Does it have 10 buttons down the front (8 showing) or 8 buttons down the front (6 showing)?

 

[blacksby]

Finally found one on the bay that has the same sleeve stitching and all other details
LINK
All this seller is saying is "WW2"...I have to say, mine is in incredible shape. Love it regardless of vintage or anything else.

10 with 8 showing.
Also, can button both left or right
thx

 

[PaidInFull24]

Definitely WW2 or shortly thereafter. The un-fouled anchor tag on the eBay example indicates it's a pre-1947 example. If yours looks like that it would be the same thing! The navy switched from 10 button to 8 button sometime after the war, possibly around the time that they switched the style of the manufacturing tags from the un-fouled to the fouled variety. Aren't these the best winter coats ever? I have one that I wear every winter and absolutely love it.

 

[blacksby]

This is my coat...excuse the white dog hair...had to lay it on the bed, and well, ya know.

Definitely WW2 or shortly thereafter. The un-fouled anchor tag on the eBay example indicates it's a pre-1947 example. If yours looks like that it would be the same thing! The navy switched from 10 button to 8 button sometime after the war, possibly around the time that they switched the style of the manufacturing tags from the un-fouled to the fouled variety. Aren't these the best winter coats ever? I have one that I wear every winter and absolutely love it.

 

[PaidInFull24]

Great coat!

 

[PaidInFull24]

Where did you say you got it? And for how much?

 

[blacksby]

I got it at a thrift shop in nyc...$25...I think I won.

 

[PaidInFull24]

Nice score! I wouldn't trade my WW2 pea coat for the world. They're the warmest and most wind-resistant coat I've ever worn.

 

[Sneash]

Hey guys,

My name is Clive and I am from Toronto. I am new to this site but noticed your extremely informative pea coat threads and was very interested. I am looking for a nice fashionable coat that can stand the winters of Toronto and, seeing as you folks seem to have a lot of insight, I wanted to ask you a few questions. Do you know where I can get an authentic 1930s to 1950s ,Navy wool pea coat in good condition for a reasonable price? I have checked ebay and it seems to have mainly black wool coats. Also, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to try and get a tailor to adjust the coat a bit as I am looking for a nice snug fit around a sweater. Oh and lastly does anybody know why Sterlingwear of Boston never seems to have the Navigator coat in Navy in stock and how much they would charge for shipping to Toronto? Thanks for any answers, They are all very well appreciated.

 

[Spoonbelly]

Hey guys,

My name is Clive and I am from Toronto. I am new to this site but noticed your extremely informative pea coat threads and was very interested. I am looking for a nice fashionable coat that can stand the winters of Toronto and, seeing as you folks seem to have a lot of insight, I wanted to ask you a few questions. Do you know where I can get an authentic 1930s to 1950s ,Navy wool pea coat in good condition for a reasonable price? I have checked ebay and it seems to have mainly black wool coats. Also, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to try and get a tailor to adjust the coat a bit as I am looking for a nice snug fit around a sweater. Oh and lastly does anybody know why Sterlingwear of Boston never seems to have the Navigator coat in Navy in stock and how much they would charge for shipping to Toronto? Thanks for any answers, They are all very well appreciated.

The pea coat season is just about to start on ebay. During the winter months there are many peacoats listed on ebay. The number of old vintage, dark navy blue coats will increase very much, as will the black ones. What size are you? The most common sizes in vintage peacoats are 36,38, and 40. Large sizes get to be rare. Ebay is still probably your best source. You can go to a tailor, but make sure they do really good work and are familar with the old pea coats. It's probably still safer to get a size that will be snug with a sweater without any alterations done. You also don't want to get it too small as it will be too snug with a sweater. 30s coats are very rare. 40s (WWII) are fairly common, along with 50s. If you have a common size you'll have it made finding a coat on ebay.

 

[Doctor Damage]

^ I would make the general statement please don't buy a WW2 era coat and then have someone alter it. Not only does it kill any re-sale value down the road, since it won't be a standard fit anymore, but it will also be messing about with a piece of history. Yes, there's still a lot of these coats around, but in time there won't be. Don't be one of those people who buys a famous painting and throws in on a fire "because I own it and I can do what I like with it". We have to be custodians of history, as much as possible.