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GRAIL! 1950s J. Press Tuxedo with Shawl Collar. c. 42.

tweedydon

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GRAIL! 1950s J. Press Tuxedo with Shawl Collar.


In Very Good condition.

c. 40, 42. Measurements:

Chest: 21 1/4
Sleeve: 25 1/4 (+2)
Shoulder: 18 1/4
Length: 31 3/4

Waist: 17
Inseam: 30 (+2 3/4(
Rise: 13 1/4

This is absolutely wonderful! Union Made in the USA for J. Press the interior Union label dates this to between 1949 and 1962 and so it was likely made in the 1950s.

Given its date and provenance it's not surprising that this tuxedo is so stylish that it would be perfectly with the Rat Pack. Cut as a classic shawl-collar tuxedo is is, as you'd expect from Press, a sack, with a single button closure. It is fully canvassed and fully lined, and has a single center vent. It has two button cuffs and flapped front pockets, as well as two deep interior pockets lined with sturdy cotton duck.

The trousers are flat-front and uncuffed, and have the appropriate military stripe in satin. As is typical for the period they are higher rise than contemporary trousers (see measurements above) and they feature the suspender buttons on the outside of the waistband. They also mark a neat transition between the trousers of the 1930s and 1940s with their button flys and the zipper fly of the 1960s; these have a zipper fly, but they do not have the standard metal clip at the top of the zipper. Instead, they fasten at the waistband by two offset buttons.

The zipper is the original Talon, and it moves beautifully fluidly.

Since it is almost 70 years old this tuxedo has some minor flaws. First, the front button needs to be re-attached, as it is currently loose. Second, it needs a dry clean; it was cleaned before storage, but i has some surface dust marks from being stored and could use a clean to freshen it up. (Please note that the shading on the jacket that appears in pictures is not the surface dust, which is very minor, but dappling from late afternoon sun!) And there is a minor mark on the lapel at the end, as shown, and two small surface scuffs on the shoulder. Finally, there are some surface lines on the trousers from hanging; these would be removed with its first dry clean. This is thus in overall Very Good condition.

Overall, then, this is a lovely example of a 1950s tuxedo from J. Press, and it's a bargain at just $65, or offer, boxed, shipped, and insured in the USA!

 

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