DETAILS: Get your Sergeant Pepper on, in this fabulous vintage marching band jacket! It is double breasted, with a stand up Nehru-style collar that has sewn "eyelets" to allow for extra embellishment in the form of collar pins. Shoulders are lightly padded, and the jacket narrows a bit at the waist. No back vents. The jacket is shown with elaborate gold braid "lasso" that has a gold-metal aiglet at one end - it is removable by opening the epaulette, and is included with the jacket.
SIZE: No clear size label
Chest/Bust - 40. 5" (103 cm)
Shoulders - 16" (40. 5 cm)
Approximate waist - 37" (94 cm)
Length from back of neck - 29" (73. 5 cm)
Bottom edge circumference when buttoned - 46" (117 cm)
Sleeve length - 25" (63. 5 cm)
FABRIC/COLORS: The primary color is a rich royal purple, with light gray facings and gold braid trim on collar and cuffs. The fabric is gabardine twill, with a dry hand - looks and feels like wool suiting but could be a blend - there's no access to a seam for snipping a bit for a fiber burn test. The inner lining is darker gray acetate type satin, with sleeves lined in cream. The gab underarm inserts are a nice touch.
TAGS: Nudelman Brothers, Uniforms, Portland - Seattle. A identification label at the back of the neck has some information typed in, including a previous "owner", presumably a musician, Diane Hayden. There is another name hand written above, but I can't decipher it. The label has a space for Year, and "36" is typed in, but I think it's highly unlikely that this jacket dates back to 1936 - women didn't perform in marching bands wearing the same uniform jackets as men in the 1930s. The number "44" is stamped on the tag as well, size 44? Based on measurement, I don't think so. There is also a union tag inside the left chest pocket: A. F. of L., issued by authority of United Garment Workers of America, with "Special Order" overlying in fainter letters.
CLOSURES: Lots of gold colored metal shank buttons, each impressed with a lyre/harp. There are 7 functional buttons and seven decorative buttons for symmetry down the front, plus a plain button to secure the top of the inner right front. All the functional buttons have small plain buttons sewn to the back from the inside - a sign of quality and longevity. Each epaulette is anchored with a smaller matching button - they are functional as well.
CONDITION: The back of the neck has some surface grime from previous wear. Someone made an aftermarket addition of small squares of dark gray homespun fabric on either side of the standup collar - one side has a flat brass eye, but whatever the other side once had is gone. I am guessing this might have been intended to prevent the collar from laying down or shift while marching? The two squares could easily be removed with a seam ripper or small scissors - if you want to see a closeup, please message me and I can send it. Some fade to the lower lining - see photo. No other issues noted - no stains, holes, or tears.
This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Lane County, OR.
