VINTAGE 1950s HARRIS TWEED COAT. Zip-out Tartan and Quilted Lining--with original Aero zipper! c. 40

[tweedydon]

VINTAGE 1950s HARRIS TWEED COAT.



Zip-out Tartan and Quilted Lining--with original Aero zipper! Replete with history.

Made in England for Macy's.​

c. 40R. Measurements:

Chest: 22 1/2
Sleeve: 24 1/4
Shoulder: 19 1/2
Length: 32

This is absolutely wonderful!

Judging by both the Harris Tweed label and the style of the Macy's label this coat dates to the 1950s. This is supported by the shape of the original Aero zipper that attaches the zip-in liner to the interior of the coat: The distinctive squared-off end of the pull dates it to the 1940s or 1950s, with the square shape being superseded by the rounded "surfboard" ends of Aero zipper pulls of the 1960s.

This lovely coat is this made from old-school Harris Tweed--the thick, slightly hairy, hard-wearing cloth handwoven cloth that made Harris so famous. Moreover, the patterning and colourway of this coat are lovely: A classic herringbone weave in light chestnut and off-cream slate.

But the hardiness and beauty of this cloth isn't the only appealing thing about it--it's a link to history, to a time and way of life that is now long gone. This tweed was almost certainly handwoven during the period (pre-1954) when Britain was still rationing food. The crofter who wove it thus likely worked on it after breakfasting on eggs from his or her own chickens, this being the standard source of protein for rural people during a time when meat was heavily rationed. The tweed that you'll handle when you pull on this coat was also handled a lifetime ago by someone who lived through the War (and, possibly, who fought in it) and whose life was little different from his or her C19th forbears.

That's a link to history that simply can't be replicated except by vintage clothing.... and makes you wonder what the weaver was thinking about as the loom clacked and groaned as the tweed took shape under his fingers...

But this coat doesn't just have a link to post-war Scotland. This coat was made especially for Macy's, likely to be sold at its New York flagship store in booming post-war America. And this was a special purchase for someone indeed. The tweed is lovely, and complemented by its attached golden half-lining. And if you needed extra warmth this coat has a zip-in lining, too--quilted at the top is a harvest gold to complement the regular lining, and woolen Scottish tartan at the bottom. Utterly British--and what post-war American wouldn't want such a classically British item after their recent shared success?

Naturally, the tailoring is impeccable--and very British. It features two front hacking pockets with a rakish slant, and a traditional British twin hacking vent; both of the vents are hook vents. It fastens with oversized leather-covered buttons--not with metal shanks, here, but with the utterly traditional mid-century alternative of thick leather rear fastenings. Smaller versions of these buttons also appear on the ornamental cuff adjusters on the sleeves.

This coat has lapped seams along the shoulders and down the sleeves. It also has generous armholes for ease of movement. The original Aero zipper moves beautifully smoothly--and has "Great Britain" stamped on the unhderside of the pull.

Not surprisingly, this coat has some minor issues--although it is in wonderful condition for its age. First, it is missing the top button; an easy fix. Second, it has some minor weakness to the cloth at the rear near the hem, including a small snag hole, as shown. Third, there *might* be a small smudge on one sleeve, although this might simply be a minor discoloration in the wool originally used: It is very faint and blends in to the cloth. There is a slight "tuft" of stray thread by the lowest button (which I can fix before shipping). The leather buttons have the lovely minor patina you'd expect, while there is some very minor fraying to the piping near where the liner zips in. And, of course, it could use a dry clean to freshen it up.

Overall, then, this wonderful, wearable piece of history is in Very Good condition.

It is thus an absolute bargain at just $75, OR OFFER, boxed, shipped, and insured in the USA.

Your link to history, to wear every day.

 

[tweedydon]

SOLD!