1950s British Leather – United Services Supply Co. Ltd, London

This is quite an interesting jacket dating probably to the middle 1950s. It bears an Aero zipper, with U-stops but a late type stopper box, probably dating the zipper to the middle 1950s. I’ve been hunting around for information on United Services Supply Co (Excellent label, no?) but can’t find much. It seems to have been some kind of Army/Navy surplus store that was incorporated in 1955, though may very well have been around before the incorporation date. I’m getting ready to sell this jacket; it’s about a size 40.

It’s cut is very much like an A2, though the pockets are obviously not the A2-type patch pockets, but slash handwarmer pockets. It’s made of either a heavy sheep hide, or light calf, in a wonderful russet brown. The collar is A2-ish, though it’s backed with a heavy flannel woollen material. The hem of the jacket features typical British knit elastic of the period, probably nylon, and the arm cuffs are snapped. The armpit ventilation grommets are attached in a strange pattern, with all 3 in a line behind the side seam on the rear panel. I wish it were smaller, as this would be my go-to jacket! The patina, especially on the arms, is to die for. I also particularly like the checked/tantan-ish cotton arm lining, which is also used for the pocketbags.

The Boys Shop – 1920s Knickerbocker Beltback Suit

The fabric on this suit is fantastic, caramel tweed with darker mini overcheck. Lovely caramel corozo buttons. It’s very small, probably made for a late teens boy – size 16 or 18 or so – by “The Boy’s Store. Wentworth. Emery, Bird, Meyer” of Kansas City. So, perfect size for us shortarses! The back features a half belt, with a shoulder yoke, and central inverted pleats for mobility. the patch pockets on the front of the jacket refer to this central pleat, and each feature a pleat of their own. The knickers are fully lined in lightweight linen.

 

More 20s Skinniness …

This time a suit. But still with the necessity for being tall and skinny for it to work. The jacket has a number of interesting features like the extremely backward sloping shoulder seams, complete lack of any shoulder padding, and the dart that runs from the hip pocket level in front right into the armhole. I haven’t seen such a dart very often. The trousers are quite generic, flat fronted, with not much interesting about them. The wide waistband and super skinny belt loops are nice.