1930s Engel-Fetzer Co. Cleveland, Raccoon Fur Greatcoat, Knee-Length Fur

Materials: Raccoon Pelt, Satin Brocade, Silk

Brand / Maker: Engel-Fetzer Co. Cleveland, OH USA

Era: 1930s

This raccoon coat is a knee-length fur coat with a wide shawl collar and oversize buttons - made of raccoon pelts. This garment became a fashion fad in the United States during the 1920s. It has a beautiful silk lining in deep copper and bold plaid. Leather details are seen under the arms for stability and durability, with deep pockets and inside pockets too. Such coats were particularly popular with male college students in the middle and later years of the decade. In 1935, the leading men’s fashion magazine Men’s Wear reported: “The raccoon coat is back in fashion. More were seen at the climax football games in the East this season than at any time in the past ten years. The best style, worn by undergraduates and alumni alike, is very dark in color, has a shawl collar and usually hefty leather buttons”. American Ivy league-ers and young college undergrads began sporting heavy, full-length raccoon coats, which set the trend in 1920s & 30s men’s fashion and sparked a voracious demand for the extravagant garment across the country. Prices were advertised between $350-450 at the time (equal to $4000 today). If a man could afford a fur coat, he had one; bankers, salesmen and students alike used the style to signify or improve their social status.

This coat is the perfect example of true - as these furs were fashionable in the 20s-30s they disappeared during the depression, and World War II. Only to reappear in the 50s when a warehouse of Jazz Age coats were discovered by a young socialite and began trending amongst the "beat" generation in Greenwich village. Additionally, Lord & Taylor and Macy's advertised them in their College Shops..."Old Raccoons don't fade away...they reappear and go to college".

This particular coat is in excellent condition, with no damage to the pelts or lining.

A time capsule from another era!

--- M E A S U R E M E N T S ---

Garment -

Shoulders: 23"

Chest: 46"

Length: (from Shoulder) 42"

Collar: 8"

Sleeve: 27"

Estimated Size: Mens Large

Mannequin -

Shoulders: 16”

Height: 6ft

Bust: 30B

Natural Waist: 26”

Hips: 35”

Unpinned

- Details -

Fully Lined

Genuine Raccoon Pelts

Leather Buttons

Inside and outside pockets

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in New Haven, Connecticut.