Trench Coat - the 'Ultimate' Thread!

[Doctor Damage]

So, does anybody knows what is the trench was in 'Casablanca'? It is not the Aquascutum or Burberry, because they making only reglan sleeves.

This is one of those mysteries likely never to be solved. I think it's the same coat Bogart wore in The Big Sleep when he's casing out the porn photographer's house for the first time, although I'd have to check photos. If so, then it was likely his personal coat and perhaps custom made for him.

Regarding your point about sleeves, I've seen a few trenchcoats by Aquascutum with set-in-sleeves like Rick's, so they did make them. But very uncommon. (see below)

 

[Doctor Damage]

Got today a used Burberry trench coat, with zip-out wool liner, about 10 years old (later tag). Canada Post said "package arrived in Canada damaged" but when I picked it up the box was fine and the coat in mint condition. Go figure. Anyways, I'm delighted, this coat will be very welcome this winter if it gets as cold as they are predicting. This coat is double breasted but is without the rain flap over the right upper chest and has no throat latch. Burberry made some coats like this for a while, some of which were sold by Brooks Brothers. The shell is heavy, the standard Burberry 51/49 blend; colour is a dark tan (or a light brown) which is a great colour for me and doesn't show dirt easily.

 

[-Ariel-]

Just for fun. Simple chinese trench.

 

[Big J]

@-Ariel-, looking sharp! Who made your fedora?

 

[-Ariel-]

One master from Saint Petersburg. I am a regular customer.

 

[Anthony_Eden]

An alltime-question, for example:

Is a trenchcoat without shoulder-straps a trenchcoat or not?

I would say, it's not. To me, a trenchcoat without the typical officers-greatcoat features is never a classic trenchcoat. But, maybe, some people don't find it that important.

Actually, it depends IMO of the rest of features and definition. If you look for a Casablanca 1940's classic one, of course it should be there. If you look for a WW1 one then, you will notice on the numerous adds from the period (especially around 1915-18) that there is a lot of variation admitted: single or double breasted, storm flap or not, shoulder straps or not, no D-rings often... But is retains the undisputable look of an officer trench coat, roomy and military. Hopes this helps, Best,

 

[Anthony_Eden]

^ That's an awesome photo, Tom. It's a nice, roomy coat, not a short skinny modern one. I like that throat latch, too. Once upon a time one could get trench coats in a variety of colours, not just tan or black like today.

That's a great picture indeed! Apart from the cut (classic roomy one) and nice features, the problem with wearing the trench Bogart-way is... age and attitude. A 30 years old metropolitan youngster in a trench doesn't carry the gravitas and life long nostalgia of the famous exhausted tough private investigator I'm afraid (and regret it

Best,

 

[Doctor Damage]

(click for larger)

 

[Doctor Damage]

(click for larger)

 

[Doctor Damage]

Eaton's ad for Aquascutum, 1984.

 

[Hal]

Eaton's ad for Aquascutum, 1984.

A pleasant picture but a strange advertisement, as the jumper (sweater) catches the eye at least as much as does the coat.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Got this navy blue vintage Burberry coat recently. It's the usually Burberry cotton/poly blend but it's heavier than normal and kind of stiff, probably close to waterproof. The flaps over the pockets are useless as is the throat strap (I'd rather have just a tab with button for the collar). Nevertheless, a good coat, and hard to find in this colour and a "long" length.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Michael Caine in The Fourth Protocol.

 

[-Ariel-]

Collar like Rick's coat.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Holy wrinkles, Batman!

 

[Doctor Damage]

Sinatra in "Pal Joey" in which he wears a nice raincoat. I like the tattersal lining, which seemed to be common in old coats, irrespective of brand.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Tyrone Power.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Belmondo.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Michael Caine in a publicity photo.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Here's a couple of very clear close-up photos of "Rick's" trench coat in Casablanca which show the coat's unique details.