Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[spoonbelly1950]

Thank you so much, Peacoat! Your Guide To Dating the History of US Navy Peacoats was my introduction to this forum and an invaluable resource as I began my hunt for a real peacoat. A belated thank you is in order! I continue to refer to your guide as I would like to add another US Navy peacat (8 buttons, 6 showing) to my collection.

The US Navy peacoat newbie that I am is also learning a lot from reading this thread. Haven't yet read all 142 pages, but I'm getting there!

Wow, that was one good buy. A WWII coat in that condition and price doesn't happen often. I have 2 WWII coats in Excellent condition and the buttons were also tight when I bought them. I also have a few postwar coats. Be careful though - peacoats may become addicting.

 

[Preppy Climber]

Wow, that was one good buy. A WWII coat in that condition and price doesn't happen often. I have 2 WWII coats in Excellent condition and the buttons were also tight when I bought them. I also have a few postwar coats. Be careful though - peacoats may become addicting.

Thank you! I can see from reading this thread just how addicting peacoats can become. We'll see if I can stop after three!

 

[spoonbelly1950]

Thank you! I can see from reading this thread just how addicting peacoats can become. We'll see if I can stop after three!

Will you still be looking out? I used to scour eBay everyday. I had too. My size is a 46 or a 46 Long. Very few Kersey 46s show up. There are usually many more smaller sizes on eBay and they tend to be lower priced.

 

[Preppy Climber]

Will you still be looking out? I used to scour eBay everyday. I had too. My size is a 46 or a 46 Long. Very few Kersey 46s show up. There are usually many more smaller sizes on eBay and they tend to be lower priced.

I am "trying" to momentarily stave off this new addiction of mine and thus have avoided hopping on eBay, Etsy, etc. That being said, I will be back to searching sooner than later as I would like to own a third US Navy peacoat, 6 buttons showing.

Are you planning to add to your collection?

You are right that the smaller sizes appear to be more common, except for size 32. I ran across only one, but it didn't appear to be a good deal in both condition and price. My size 34 is a tad on the larger/bulky side, but I do love that I am able to add layers underneath.

Boy, I am still on a high with my WWII find! And two weeks ago I never thought I would own a US Navy peacoat!

 

[spoonbelly1950]

I am "trying" to momentarily stave off this new addiction of mine and thus have avoided hopping on eBay, Etsy, etc. That being said, I will be back to searching sooner than later as I would like to own a third US Navy peacoat, 6 buttons showing.

Are you planning to add to your collection?

You are right that the smaller sizes appear to be more common, except for size 32. I ran across only one, but it didn't appear to be a good deal in both condition and price. My size 34 is a tad on the larger/bulky side, but I do love that I am able to add layers underneath.

Boy, I am still on a high with my WWII find! And two weeks ago I never thought I would own a US Navy peacoat!

I hope I'm not going to add anymore coats. As of now I have 11. 9 Kersey which includes 2 WWII , and 7 post war, and 2 Meltons. My woolens coat closet is totally full. By "woolens"]'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' I mean it contains moth balls.The last coat I bought was a year or year and a half ago. It was a WWII in almost new shape.and the buttons were tight. You should put your coats in coat garment bags in the warm months. Moths will attack and eat away!! I keep mine in garment bags and mothballs.
I'm glad you are very happy about your recent find. I used to feel the same way. A few of my coats are in really Excellent shape. I get the impression that you go to college.? You should be able to find a post war coat in 34 for a decent price in Excellent condition, You just have to scour abit.. They also look really good after coming home from the cleaners...

 

[Preppy Climber]

I hope I'm not going to add anymore coats. As of now I have 11. 9 Kersey which includes 2 WWII , and 7 post war, and 2 Meltons. My woolens coat closet is totally full. By "woolens"]'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' I mean it contains moth balls.The last coat I bought was a year or year and a half ago. It was a WWII in almost new shape.and the buttons were tight. You should put your coats in coat garment bags in the warm months. Moths will attack and eat away!! I keep mine in garment bags and mothballs.
I'm glad you are very happy about your recent find. I used to feel the same way. A few of my coats are in really Excellent shape. I get the impression that you go to college.? You should be able to find a post war coat in 34 for a decent price in Excellent condition, You just have to scour abit.. They also look really good after coming home from the cleaners...

Wow--11 peacoats! That's awesome, @spoonbelly1950! Are your Meltons US Navy as well? Do you wear them all (at different times of course)?

I really should take my peacoat to the cleaners. It is kept in a garment bag, but the bag isn't totally sealed. Both my WWII and vintage Schott peacoats are free of moth holes and nibbles. I'd like to keep them that way.

College--do I sound that young and/or should I take that as compliment? I received my bachelor's in 1987 and my master's in 1990. So many years ago....

 

[spoonbelly1950]

Wow--11 peacoats! That's awesome, @spoonbelly1950! Are your Meltons US Navy as well? Do you wear them all (at different times of course)?

I really should take my peacoat to the cleaners. It is kept in a garment bag, but the bag isn't totally sealed. Both my WWII and vintage Schott peacoats are free of moth holes and nibbles. I'd like to keep them that way.

College--do I sound that young and/or should I take that as compliment? I received my bachelor's in 1987 and my

Wow--11 peacoats! That's awesome, @spoonbelly1950! Are your Meltons US Navy as well? Do you wear them all (at different times of course)?

I really should take my peacoat to the cleaners. It is kept in a garment bag, but the bag isn't totally sealed. Both my WWII and vintage Schott peacoats are free of moth holes and nibbles. I'd like to keep them that way.

College--do I sound that young and/or should I take that as compliment? I received my bachelor's in 1987 and my master's in 1990. So many years ago....

My 2 Meltons are US Navy and are DSCP brand and are black as are most other Melton/DSCP coats.
.Meltons are nice coats but don't compare to WWII or postwar Kerseys. I do wear all of them. Sometimes I start from the youngest and go up to the oldest. I live in NY so the winters are good for wearing these coats. Peacoat season usually goes from Oct. to April here. My first impression was college. I guess I was off on that one. I graduated in 1973 after 5 years of school. I'll be 74 next month - too damn old for my own damn good. I can see why you are gloating over your find. WWII coats pretty beautiful.

 

[Preppy Climber]

I notice a huge difference between the Kersey wool and Melton wool. The former is very smooth and almost luxurious looking. I understand that is especially true for the WWII peacoats?

I live in Huntington Beach, CA, and one might think not a lot of opportunities in this beach city for peacoat donning. Not so for me. Anytime the temperature dips below 60 degrees (which is common in the fall and winter out here), I'll be proudly wearing my WWII peacoat, and maybe postwar if I find one soon. Poor Schott will get little use, but I will make sure it's just as well taken care of as my US Navy.

"...too damn old for my own damn good."

 

[spoonbelly1950]

I notice a huge difference between the Kersey wool and Melton wool. The former is very smooth and almost luxurious looking. I understand that is especially true for the WWII peacoats?

I live in Huntington Beach, CA, and one might think not a lot of opportunities in this beach city for peacoat donning. Not so for me. Anytime the temperature dips below 60 degrees (which is common in the fall and winter out here), I'll be proudly wearing my WWII peacoat, and maybe postwar if I find one soon. Poor Schott will get little use, but I will make sure it's just as well taken care of as my US Navy.of Kersey will

"...too damn old for my own damn good."

I was having trouble with my computer or cable reception yesterday. Not sure if you received my entire reply from yesterday morning. Usually black = Melton, Blue = Kersey. Kersey is sort of velvety. Melton is coarser . Some years are especially nicer. !949 is one where the Kersey is a tinch thicker. 49s are very, very nice as are some of the WWII and early 50s. . Although any year of Kersey will fit the bill just fine.

 

[Preppy Climber]

I was having trouble with my computer or cable reception yesterday. Not sure if you received my entire reply from yesterday morning. Usually black = Melton, Blue = Kersey. Kersey is sort of velvety. Melton is coarser . Some years are especially nicer. !949 is one where the Kersey is a tinch thicker. 49s are very, very nice as are some of the WWII and early 50s. . Although any year of Kersey will fit the bill just fine.

I didn't receive your entire reply. Thank you for the additional info.! My Schott Melton peacoat is supposed to be midnight blue, but it's hard to see any hint of blue. I can more readily see the blue in my WWII peacoat.

 

[spoonbelly1950]

Me wearing my recently acquired US Navy WWII era peacoat (one photo with the collar popped up). First time I’ve owned the real deal. Found it on eBay, $77.05 out the door. The seller’s product title did little to attract attention, lucky me. Was listed as a "1951 Sailor Peacoat." Not sure why the seller had that specific year listed, but it's definitely WWII era: 10 buttons, 8 showing, attached throat latch, one row of stitching three inches above the cuff, smooth kersey wool, inner tag wording. The few and far between other WWII era peacoats I ran across on eBay and other platforms had WWII, Vintage, US Navy, etc., in their product title, and those were getting lots of hits, not to mention higher asking prices. Mine had only one hit--me. My peacoat size could also be a factor. Might not be a lot of folks interested in a size 34 peacoat!

My peacoat is in pristine condition, even button holes are still stiff. I had the sleeves and coat length shortened to better fit my petite frame.

I feel immensely proud and honored to own and wear such a cool piece of U.S. history! EDIT: In the midst of my excitement over this great find, I initially forgot to thank, in this post, Peacoat and his guide to US Navy Peacoats, for steering me in the right direction. Without Peacoat, as well as this thread, I would continue to wear my civilian Schott 740N, not really knowing much about US Navy peacoats or giving any thought to owning one. Nothing wrong with my Schott, but boy having a real peacoat is something pretty darn special!

View attachment 596346

Peacoat is the professor and ambassador in these here parts alright.

 

[Preppy Climber]

Peacoat is the professor and ambassador in these here parts alright.

@spoonbelly1950 You're quite the US Navy peacoat expert as well!

 

[spoonbelly1950]

@spoonbelly1950 You're quite the US Navy peacoat expert as well!

I learned quite a bit from Peacoat and scouring eBay and the internet

 

[Peacoat]

I learned quite a bit from Peacoat and scouring eBay and the internet

Spoon has been around a lot longer than his history indicates. Something happened to his account (lost password?), and he had to start over. He is one of the old-timers in this thread.

 

[Peacoat]

I didn't receive your entire reply. Thank you for the additional info.! My Schott Melton peacoat is supposed to be midnight blue, but it's hard to see any hint of blue. I can more readily see the blue in my WWII peacoat.

As Spoon said earlier, Kersey = Midnight Blue and Melton = Black.

When someone has a question about the color, I suggest they take their peacoat outside on a sunlit day. While in the shade, compare the color of the coat to a known black object. That way any blue in the coat will be obvious. If there is no discernible blue, then the coat is black.

 

[Preppy Climber]

As Spoon said earlier, Kersey = Midnight Blue and Melton = Black.

When someone has a question about the color, I suggest they take their peacoat outside on a sunlit day. While in the shade, compare the color of the coat to a known black object. That way any blue in the coat will be obvious. If there is no discernible blue, then the coat is black.

As Spoon said earlier, Kersey = Midnight Blue and Melton = Black.

When someone has a question about the color, I suggest they take their peacoat outside on a sunlit day. While in the shade, compare the color of the coat to a known black object. That way any blue in the coat will be obvious. If there is no discernible blue, then the coat is black.

Thank you, Peacoat!

 

[VansonRider]

Don’t the melton coats all have an insulated liner while the Kersey just has a thin sateen type lining?
They’ve seemed very easy to tell apart. Also the Melton coats have a tag up between the shoulder blades that the Kersey coats don’t use. So you can at least narrow down a search if there are pictures on a hanger. Skip the visible tags and look into the rest.

 

[Peacoat]

Don’t the melton coats all have an insulated liner while the Kersey just has a thin sateen type lining?
They’ve seemed very easy to tell apart. Also the Melton coats have a tag up between the shoulder blades that the Kersey coats don’t use. So you can at least narrow down a search if there are pictures on a hanger. Skip the visible tags and look into the rest.

Yes, the Navy put an insulated liner in the Melton coats as the shell wasn't thick enough to keep the wearer warm. The Kersey coats don't need a liner.

 

[spoonbelly1950]

@spoonbelly1950 You're quite the US Navy peacoat expert as well!

If you come across any "Click to expand" those are the replies that got messed up yesterday

Yes, the Navy put an insulated liner in the Melton coats as the shell wasn't thick enough to keep the wearer warm. The Kersey coats don't need a liner.

That insulated liner in the Melton coats also takes up and eats up some space. I noticed that with my size 46 Kerseys and the 46 Meltons. The Melton coats wind up being a tinch smaller ( maybe 1/4 - 1/2 sizes ).

 

[spoonbelly1950]

I was having trouble with my computer or cable reception yesterday. Not sure if you received my entire reply from yesterday morning. Usually black = Melton, Blue = Kersey. Kersey is sort of velvety. Melton is coarser . Some years are especially nicer. !949 is one where the Kersey is a tinch thicker. 49s are very, very nice as are some of the WWII and early 50s. . Although any year of Kersey will fit the bill just fine.

My 2 fantasy coats are

I was having trouble with my computer or cable reception yesterday. Not sure if you received my entire reply from yesterday morning. Usually black = Melton, Blue = Kersey. Kersey is sort of velvety. Melton is coarser . Some years are especially nicer. !949 is one where the Kersey is a tinch thicker. 49s are very, very nice as are some of the WWII and early 50s. . Although any year of Kersey will fit the bill just fine.

My 2 fantasy coats are a 1949 46 Long and a 1958 46 Long. Two beautiful coats. I can't imagine how heavy those 2 rascals would be. Plus the fact that I don't think we have determined whether Long sizes were even made way back then.