Trench Coat - the 'Ultimate' Thread!

[Hal]

Here's a couple of Burberry catalogue scans from 1998. (These are from their "on sale" booklets they send around, so don't assume the prices or available sizes represented the full range at the time.)

The pictured coats are good-looking and VERY classical compared to what that firm seems to be selling now.

 

[Doctor Damage]

The pictured coats are good-looking and VERY classical compared to what that firm seems to be selling now.

I know it seems that way, and yes they're selling a lot of weird clothing, but if you ignore all that fashion stuff (and their heavily photoshopped photos and anorexic models) you'll see they still offer a traditional long trench (which they call the "Westminster") and a single-breasted raincoat (the "Long Gabardine Car Coat") like the ones above. They just don't do short and long sizes anymore, although the regular is almost a long. The only significant differences are a slightly different way of attaching the covers on the side pockets, the contrasting dark buttons, and the cloth is a bit thinner and tighter weave. The fit and construction quality is more or less the same. It's an article of faith on the interweb that vintage stuff is always awesome and new stuff is always crap, but some older Burberry coats are not that special and some of the new ones are very good indeed.

 

[Hal]

...It's an article of faith on the interweb that vintage stuff is always awesome and new stuff is always crap...

Very true - presumably the rubbishy stuff from the past has just not survived, in many cases simply worn out.

 

[Tiki Tom]

Special guest appearance. Perhaps not a classic trench coat, but he gets points for trying.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Bogart in Sirocco, wearing his own trench coat (which he wore in several films).

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Batman's trench coat is leather.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Photo of Prince Charles in his uni days wearing his Burberry. Note that it's a vintage 8-button coat and has the kick tab (that small button below the big buttons). Note also how short it is, it's not just the modern fashion coats which are short!

[url=https://postimg.org/image/dwkd4hpu7/] [/URL]

 

[Chris Neve]

Hi everyone,

I just discovered this thread and am wondering if anyone knows of a good place to buy a trench coat? The Burberry website seems pretty expensive. Could I get some advice, please?

Thanks!

 

[Trenchfriend]

Hi everyone,

I just discovered this thread and am wondering if anyone knows of a good place to buy a trench coat? The Burberry website seems pretty expensive. Could I get some advice, please?

Thanks!

Department-stores got storebrand-trenches, often on the Burberry Brit-level, but on much much lower prices! And polyamid/cotton half/half isn't bad!

 

[Tiki Tom]

Hi everyone,

I just discovered this thread and am wondering if anyone knows of a good place to buy a trench coat? The Burberry website seems pretty expensive. Could I get some advice, please?

Thanks!

I have had luck going to vintage stores (what we used to call "second hand shops"!) In fact, I found a beautiful Hugo Boss trench coat for a song at a vintage shop not long ago. The disadvantage is that it is hit-and-miss. The advantage is that you can see what you are getting and try it on. Digging around 2nd hand shops looking for an unexpected vintage gem is a popular sport engaged in by many Loungers. Good luck!

 

[Doctor Damage]

Early marketing document for the film "Dirty Harry", which was originally slated to star Sinatra, before he backed out. Nice raincoat.

 

[kmbrady]

Chris, you should give eBay a look, there can be some real bargains.

 

[Hal]

Photo of Prince Charles in his uni days wearing his Burberry. Note that it's a vintage 8-button coat and has the kick tab (that small button below the big buttons). Note also how short it is, it's not just the modern fashion coats which are short!

We are looking at pictures from c.1969; both look as if they are from stage productions. The kick tab is a very useful feature but perhaps more necessary with longer coats.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Prince Philip a few days ago at his last public/official engagement. It was raining.

[url=https://postimg.org/image/nh592p4n3/] [/URL]

 

[Doctor Damage]

I now have a single-breasted Burberry raincoat like Philip's above, except mine is navy blue, and it's old enough to have a foot tab (although the button is missing for that). It's pretty close to mint, even the lettering on the % components tag has not rubbed off. It's got the original owner's initials embroidered on a tag sew inside. I'm quite pleased and am looking forward to wearing it this fall. I will now keep an eye out for an older Burberry trench.

 

[moehawk]

Hey all!
Long time hat poster, rarely post in other forums. But today, I found a nice VERY heavy-duty trench while thrifting, and was wondering if anyone here more knowledgeable in vintage military wear could tell me if it is authentic or a civilian model. Or just a fake...but it seems to be too high quality for a fake.

Button in liner with a button to connect the tails. Also, the coat itself has a button for the tails.

The only tag on the coat itself.

These tags are on the liner.

It also has the extra button on the cuff to cinch it tight in foul weather. The only thing wrong other than a couple of spots is one missing liner button. Authentic or not, for 9 bucks I have a great winter coat!
Thanks in advance for any information.



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[kmbrady]

Definitely US military issue. The stamped letter and numbers (K 6304) looks like laundry marks. Initial of last name and last four of service number, also the QM and numbers are the stock number of the garment. Nice find!

 

[moehawk]

Definitely US military issue. The stamped letter and numbers (K 6304) looks like laundry marks. Initial of last name and last four of service number, also the QM and numbers are the stock number of the garment. Nice find!

Cool!
Thanks for the authentication. Would you know the approximate year range this particular style might have been issued? Post 1952, I would think, but I have no idea how long this manufacturer might have made them for our servicemen.

 

[moehawk]

Update:
Upon closer inspection of the coat, I found this tag in the pocket. Different manufacturer's name than the liner.

Was it common to have different makers for the coat and the liner? Or was this pieced together?
Not that it affects the wearability or the cool factor in any way, just curious.

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[Doctor Damage]

^ You got lucky, man: that's an excellent coat and you should have paid a lot more!

I was going to say the button config is the later version, but you found the tag which proves it. As to the different manufacturers, it's possible the coat and liner weren't issued together but one never knows with older military stuff. The supply sergeant who tossed it over the counter didn't give a damn about the manufacturers, you can be sure of that!