National Park Service Fleece Jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews

This National Park Service fleece is made in the USA by VF Imagewear an official supplier to the NPS as well as other land and wildlife management firms and governmental agencies. VF Imagewear is also owned by VF Corp, owners of The North Face, Jansport, Smartwool and others.

This quality fleece has nylon lined sleeves so undergarments don’t bunch. The patch is sewn onto the fleece but covered by the lining indicating it was added during production. There’s also something resembling a name bar adhered to the inside right chest. Pockets are also nylon lined.

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1950s Civilian N-1 Jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Civilian USN N-1 Deck Jacket

Example of a civilian model jacket design based on the N-1. The N-1, to a lesser extent of then the Air Force A-2, MA-1 and N3-B became somewhat legendary for being a well-serving, functional jacket. The problem is one had to enlist and end up in certain positions to receive one. Post WWII patterns and probably sometimes even surplus were converted for civilian use. Today you still see similar jackets being produced by everyone from Schott to Abercrombie and Fitch.

The Jacket seen here has a very similar cut and fabric composition as a Navy issue N-1. Unfortunately the liner is made up of a blended pile and not what would have been alpaca. Still the rugged cut and warmth make these civilian versions a great option for someone who wants the style at a fraction of the price for an original.

 

 

 

 

Red Head Herringbone Hunting Satchel

Posted on by Rob Drews
vintage Red head Brand Hunting bag

A unique offering from one of the iconic labels in hunting apparel. This bag from the 1930s-1940s pairs well with the company’s jackets and would prove useful in the field. It’s made of a herringbone weave cotton with leather buckle for the flap. Two compartments inside with grommeted bottom to let moisture and small particles escape. While the likely use would be munitions and other sundries, it’s possible it could be used to carry small game if you’re lucky enough to fill up the game pocket on your jacket.

Vintage Dr. Pepper Metal Thermometer Sign

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Dr. Pepper Painted Thermometer Sign

The thermometer sign in itself is not a rare piece. My research shows it to be a favorite advertising format for many products, for the first half or more of the 20th century.  Dr. Pepper signs of many versions can be found with thermometers. Many using the “Enjoy Hot or Cold” slogan. This particular version, inclusive of “the friendly Pepper Upper” text seemed to be a bit more rare in nature.  The sign was painted on as opposed to porcelain which may have affected durability and decreased production rates.

 

New Old Stock 1970s Champion Reverse Weave Sweatshirt

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage 60s/70s Sweatshirt CHAMPION REVERSE WEAVE NOS Deadstock

This is an unwashed Champion Reverse Weave sweatshirt from the 1960s/70s. Easily distinguishable by the large 4″ cuffs at wrists and bottom. The wide band at the hem of this sweatshirt keeps the fabric bunched here, but it would eventually loosen up after wear and wash.  This era of Reverse Weave tags were color coded by size. Blue seen here is small. Red Medium and Large, Gold XL, from what I have seen. This example still has original sales tag from the university book store. Presumably University of Northern Colorado as it was found here in CO.

1950s/60s Hanes ‘Wind Shield’ Insulated Sweatshirt

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage 1950s/60s Hanes 'Wind Shield' Insulated Sweatshirt

Two of Hanes staple products come together in this early insulated sweatshirt. The Wind Shield gets a boost from Hanes’ insulation layer and a new product is born. The insulating layer is attached at the seams but loose elsewhere, not melded to the outer layer. Wide cuffs at wrists and hem. Exterior seams have almost a selvedge look to them and break up the heatherd gray exterior.

 

LL Bean Canvas Duffle Bags

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage BEAN LL Bean Canvas and Leather Duffle Bag

Always love finding these bags and wanted to post a couple of examples. Most common colors are brown and duck (tan), but I’ve also seen blue in later models. The heart-shaped handles are unmistakable and a hallmark of LL Bean bags. They’re used on the all-leather tote,  wood carriers and even certain canvas (boat and tote) models. Contrary to popular belief,  or despite what listings say, the bottom is not leather. Instead, at least in the versions I’ve found, synthetic like vinyl. I am not saying there aren’t leather bottom versions out there, but at least in the case of these ( and the one is a rather old, script logo label), they are synthetic bottoms.

 

1950’s USAF Type N-3B Flight Crew Jacket. Skyline 8415 Model

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage 1950's USAF type N-3B Flight Crew Jacket. Skyline 8415 Model. XXL

Older model N-B3 “Snorkle” parka . From what’s left of the black label, it appears to be made by Skyline. Originally used at Ellsworth AFB near Rapid City, SD.

It has wool lined pockets and a real fur snorkel hood (though patches of the fur are missing). Has reflective strips (see odd color strips on front and back) sewed on. Not sure if this was added at the base or later for civilian use. I’ve come across photos of other parkas with the same reflective addition, so I am assuming the was added on base to make ground crew more visible at night. Conmar zipper at main closure and on the sleeve pocket. This particular parka is in pretty rough shape and has some repairs.