Harris Tweed Coat... 1950?

EndlessAlley

EndlessAlley

Alumni
I could not find the Harris Tweed label on this coat in Label Resource. I think the coat is from the 1950s with its half lining and narrow collar. However the shoulders are more pronounced than my other 1950 coats, so maybe 1940s???

I would like to submit to Label Resource for consideration once I have an idea of the date. Thanks!
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Hello. :hiya: Yes, I think your coat probably date c.1950s. I've purchased a couple of Harris Tweed items recently and have written about them in my blog (see links below). I've an overcoat which dates c.1980s and a trilby hat which dates c.1960s. The hat doesn't include the Harris Tweed orb label, so I contacted the Harris Tweed Authority and sent them some high-resolution images as I wanted to be sure. They were extremely helpful. Their web address is http://www.harristweed.org/. If you look closely at your own label, there should be a reference number (see the rectangular box in the lower corner). If you can confirm that number to the Harris Tweed Authority, they might be able to confirm when the fabric was manufactured. Does your coat have any other labels?

Hope that helps. :)
 
You don't see half linings before the '50s so I don't think it predates then - your label refers to the fabric, not the coat designer so if you have a look in the pockets etc, you might find a tailor's label. The style is very classic so it's hard to date - perhaps you can tell us more about it: are there any other labels? Photos, please - and what sort of fabric is the lining? What are the buttons like? Are there any other details?

I think it's likely to be '50s or '60s but more information will help.
 
Thanks Louise for information on the Harris Tweed Authority. I'll contact them today.

Sorry Nicole, I forgot to mention coat has the ACAW Union Label, red lettering on left and w/o the registration mark which would place it in the 1949 to 1962 range. But no other labels. Coat has raglan sleeves, large exterior, slash pockets & interior pockets with a "pass-through" to access interior pockets w/o opening coat. Long single button vent in back. Buttons are the leather knot buttons. Lining has a "liquidy" satin look to it. All fabric edges have been finished with the lining (no raw edges). Here are some additional images you requested. Also appears to be a lot of hand stitching on the lining. I hope this helps. thanks, Alice

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Love that coat, Alice! I buy men's coats like crazy, then have a helluva hard time parting with them,'cuz I love them so much.... And I'm with everyone on the 50s' dating. I am thinking mid 50s, but I'm not familiar with all the variations on their labeling. But that "pass-through" pocket (called a "pistol pocket" which is a good keyword to use, or at least it used to be) and the raglan sleeves, along with the look of the shoulders, makes me think that rather than late 50s. I don't see many pistol pockets going on into the 60s; not that that is definitive, though.

Great coat, really, and vintage Harris Tweed is fabulous fabric. I had a ladies' HT coat from the 40s once, and it was almost like new! Alas, a lot of folks today don't "know" Harris Tweed and may not get the distinction between it and lesser-quality tweed. But when you get someone who knows what they're looking at, they will appreciate it. I sold a Harris Tweed coat to a woman in Australia once--literally cost as much to have it shipped as the price, but she was really keen to get a vintage Harris Tweed coat....
 
Lizzie of The Vintage Traveler wrote a wonderful piece on Harris Tweed recently. She included a video clip showing the manufacturing process. When you see how much work goes into the making of the fabric, you can understand why Harris Tweed is so coveted.

BTW! The Harris Tweed Authority told me that items made from Harris Tweed don't necessarily have to include the 'Orb' label. Most garments and accessories will include some sort of label which confirms 'Harris Tweed' and the best way of knowing whether it's genuine (or not) is to take a very close look at the many varied colours within the weave.
 
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