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Identifying LL Bean Wool Hunting Jacket Label- 1950's or 1960's?

Discussion in 'PUBLIC Vintage Fashion - Ask Questions Get Answers' started by FlippinFinds, Oct 5, 2016.

  1. FlippinFinds

    FlippinFinds Registered Guest

    Hello Everyone,

    New guy here. After reading another thread about LL Bean labels, I'm still a little unclear as to what year this 100% Wool Buffalo Plaid Hunting Jacket might be. I've seen threads that say 1950's and before were the black/gold cursive labels and 1960's were the white cursive labels. However, I've seen a ton of these white labels selling as "1950's" - hence, my confusion. I'm hoping you experts out there might be able to help?

    Style: 523B
    Shell: 100% Wool
    Lining: 100% Nylon backed with foam insulation
    Size: Couldn't find a tag, but I tried it on and my best guess is that it's a Men's Large

    Any help would be greatly appreciated - Thank You!

    LL Bean.jpg
    LL Bean 1.jpg
    LL Bean 4.jpg
    LL Bean 2.jpg
    LL Bean 3.jpg
     
  2. northstarvintage

    northstarvintage Administrator Staff Member

    Hello and welcome!

    That is an awesome jacket.

    A few years ago I learned from the archivist at LL Bean's that the Black/Gold labels are 50s. So this is later - probably 60s or even 70s. I don't think the age matters, it's such a great piece - that plaid is really fantastic. This style is so popular right now - this should do well for you!
     
  3. bycinbyhand

    bycinbyhand VFG Member

    The WPL # is assigned to Woolwich.

    Probably 80s, my guess. By the info on the care abel and style of collar. Just a quick look. What do others think?
     
  4. bycinbyhand

    bycinbyhand VFG Member

    It really IS a great piece!!
     
  5. FlippinFinds

    FlippinFinds Registered Guest

    Thank you both! I haven't found any others like it so far (lined with the print).
     
  6. bycinbyhand

    bycinbyhand VFG Member

    Do you happen to have a close up of the buttons?
     
  7. FlippinFinds

    FlippinFinds Registered Guest

    Not one that is clear anyway (I'm not at home right now, but I can provide one later). However, here is an enlarged view of the buttons on the front and of the pocket button. I remember looking at them closely and the front buttons look like plain, hard, brownish plastic. The buttons on the pockets looked like they were painted metal.

    LL Bean 5.jpg
     
  8. bycinbyhand

    bycinbyhand VFG Member

    Darn. I can't tell from that picture.
     
  9. northstarvintage

    northstarvintage Administrator Staff Member

    LL Bean changed from the green/white cursive label to a green/white print label in the late 70s or early 80s.

    You can see they were using it in 1982 in these catalog scans from that year

    http://archivalclothing.com/shopping-from-1982-ll-bean/

    I shudder to think of all the great vintage LL Bean stuff that I passed over during my 35 years of living here in Maine!
     
  10. FlippinFinds

    FlippinFinds Registered Guest

    Thanks! So really, it looks like this jacket could 60's or 70's. Geesh, that means there's a lot of misinformed sellers on eBay then. There are many listings showing the white/cursive label and the item is titled as being 1950's.
     
    northstarvintage likes this.
  11. bycinbyhand

    bycinbyhand VFG Member

    I don't think yours is 60s or 70s (maybe late 70s) because of the label with WPL and other info to the side of the LL Bean label. I've been thinking about this this morning... that WPL # seems a key.
     
  12. FlippinFinds

    FlippinFinds Registered Guest

    I wish there was a way to know for sure - scouring the internet, there are claims of 1950's or 1960's - here's an example of a jacket I found that's made from Woolrich. Seller is showing it as 1960's http://www.shopvelour.com/men-outerwear/woolrich-hunting-coat

    Same WPL# and Style - except it's 85% wool outer shell.
     
  13. bycinbyhand

    bycinbyhand VFG Member

    When I googled the address associated with the WPL #, I found that Woolrich is now at another address down the street. Then I looked into the company history for Woolrich and saw that there was a big consolidation in the early 90s. This was also a # assigned to an importer so I'm guessing it was manufactured overseas. Check out this article about the Woolrich history. http://www.company-histories.com/Woolrich-Inc-Company-History.html
     
    poppysvintageclothing likes this.
  14. FlippinFinds

    FlippinFinds Registered Guest

    Wow, that's some awesome detective work, thank you!
     
  15. bycinbyhand

    bycinbyhand VFG Member

    Welcome to my head. ha ha . I spend DAYS going around in circles researching. You ought to see it in there. lol
     
    The Vintage Vendeuse likes this.
  16. Kevin Miller

    Kevin Miller Registered Guest

    I'm used to see them only in movies! Actually I've liked them always... was a top notch back in days!
     

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