The Deck Jacket thread.

[4444Design]

Since original N1s are pretty hard to find in decent condition and matching my size i started getting more and more interested in any postwar solutions or predecessors of the famous N1.

The A2 Deck Jackets can still be found in a very reasonable price range and their variety is pretty high due to the behaviour of the USN to mark the jackets with the ID of the vessel they are used on

As far as i heard (correct me if i'm wrong) these jackets pretty often where not issued to a single person but to a vessel

My oldest one was manufactured in 1968

SSBN 622 - USS James Monroe

US Airforce version - obviously a "trade in" from a sailor finally ended up with USAF personel

SUBASE - "Submarine Base"

CGN-9 "USS LONG BEACH"

 

[Toto1234]

Out of couriosity i also tried a deck jacket from "At The Front" - a supplier which is usually "top notch" with his equipment ...

I was pretty disappointed with the quality though - the lining / artificial ALPACCA looked more like a teddybaer rather than anything else been used in WW2

Slammed some stencils on her including the "USN" on the front and sold her - size was a "Large" like with all garment from ATF they run big anyway

I agree the "alpaca" lining in the ATF N1 sucked and the fabric was also not a sturdy as an original N1.

 

[Toto1234]

some of my original deck Jackets

 

[breezer]

amazing guys, keep 'em coming!

 

[4444Design]

another one out of the stash with matching coverall

belonged to a member of the "Nightdippers" => see WIKIPEDIA

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5) (previously Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5)), also known as the Nightdippers, is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Station Norfolk operating the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk. The Nightdippers are a part of Carrier Air Wing Seven and deploy aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)[1] to provide anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, Combat Search and Rescue and Naval Special Warfare Support capabilities to the carrier strike group.

 

[4444Design]

Very early "BOB DONG" deck jacket in the short version with hooks - the color is totally off such almost bright blue garment was never issued during and shortly before wartime

quality of the jacket is OK anyway - the liner is artificial fur even though originals had a blanket-like wool liner and actually no zipper but the hooks only

The hooks where meant for easier handling even with cold finger or wearing gloves/mittens

the US Navy stencil on the back was there - the other markings where done by my - the stencils should represent a jacket worn by USN personal during D-Day in Normandy - LCI stands for "Landing Craft Infantry"

 

[4444Design]

This one has the rank stencilled on the left sleeve

back-stencil says: "NSGA" means "Naval Security Group Activity"

 

[4444Design]

SNEP FIT = SAUDI NAVAL EXPANSION PROGRAM

 

[4444Design]

SEABEES ...

I unfortunately sold this particular jacket - it was in size "S" which would simply never fit - came with that patch

less than 5 weeks ago i found this M65 parka in size L which - based on the fact it belonged to a SEABEE can also be rated as a deck-jacket

the SEABEE emblem is embroidered whereas the one on the A2 is stencilled or printed

 

[Toto1234]

Very early "BOB DONG" deck jacket in the short version with hooks - the color is totally off such almost bright blue garment was never issued during and shortly before wartime

quality of the jacket is OK anyway - the liner is artificial fur even though originals had a blanket-like wool liner and actually no zipper but the hooks only

The hooks where meant for easier handling even with cold finger or wearing gloves/mittens

the US Navy stencil on the back was there - the other markings where done by my - the stencils should represent a jacket worn by USN personal during D-Day in Normandy - LCI stands for "Landing Craft Infantry"

Here is a real one for comparison - with details of the hooks

 

[breezer]

great stuff fellas....now who has a Marine National version?

 

[4444Design]

Here is a real one for comparison - with details of the hooks

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incredible jacket - and my size ...

you see me cryin' ... - coz i don't own it ...

Yours?

 

[4444Design]

i managed to get my hands on a whole lot (should be about 20 of them) USN foul weather deck helmets in that distinctive greyish darkblue that the original jackets had

interesting to see the different stages of fading

the stencils on the helmets are printed in silver - no white

 

[CatsCan]

Excellent thread!
Show us your fit pics in your new IH Deck Jacket, Breezer!

 

[breezer]

Very much enjoying the IH N1. Couldn't be happier with the fit. Not really fussed about historical accuracy.......so I like the heavy weight zipper, and I particularly like the way the zip can separate from the bottom, makes the jacket very versatile. A also like the lined pockets, its the same alpaca mix as the lining. And I think the quilted arms work too, makes the garment more flexible. As for the button fasteners on the sides and sleeve - not fussed either way. One thing I would say is the that collar is much bigger than the other brands of N1 that I have experienced. Possibly if I could change one thing it would be to reduce the collar size, but then again its very comfortable to wear with the collar up, and warm too. Its also shorter in the body than my other N1's. It works. Its my first IH jacket and I'm impressed - the cut and fit are perfect for me. Once again, very happy.....

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[CatsCan]

Looks outstanding! Thanks for the review and the fit pics as well! This Deck Jacket is fitting you extremely well.

And I think the quilted arms work too, makes the garment more flexible.

sometimes I think, that I would prefer if my N-1 had quilted arms, too. All my long-sleeves ride up while I put mine on. I have to pull them down each time. The sleeve lining is just not sliding well over anything but bare arms.

I would not mind the higher collar! It will pay out in cold weather for sure and it does not look overdone to my eyes.

Cool jacket!

Cats

 

[handymike]

i managed to get my hands on a whole lot (should be about 20 of them) USN foul weather deck helmets in that distinctive greyish darkblue that the original jackets had

interesting to see the different stages of fading

the stencils on the helmets are printed in silver - no white

@4444Design if you ever come across a deck jacket with the USS Threasher - SSN 593 (submarine) markings on it, please let me know!
Thank you.

 

[pmx-berlin]

I have an IH N1, too. Great winter jacket.

 

[Bfd70]

Add me to the IH club

 

[breezer]

good work fellas - keep 'em coming.....keen to hear from Buzz Rickson N1 owners too