Hickey Freeman Coat

RustySpurVintage

RustySpurVintage

Registered Guest
Hi, VFG! The new website looks terrific!

I have this vintage Hickey Freeman wool coat that I'm trying to date. I cannot find a union label anywhere. The "Littler" in Seattle was open from around 1930 into the 1980s (I think). The store was most popular during the 1950s and the owner was friends with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby (just a bit of trivia).

Anyway, as you can see from the pictures the coat has a fitted waist, double-breasted closure, large pointed lapels, no rear vent, a very faint pinstripe, medium-sized shoulder pads, and a partial lining. I think the "Customized" label means the suit was made at the "Littler." I can't find a union label anywhere and am wondering if there even is one.

Can anyone help me date this coat?

Thanks for any help you can give!

Adam
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6860.jpg
    IMG_6860.jpg
    42.5 KB · Views: 383
  • IMG_6870.JPG
    IMG_6870.JPG
    54.2 KB · Views: 344
  • IMG_6872.jpg
    IMG_6872.jpg
    48.4 KB · Views: 356
  • IMG_6875.jpg
    IMG_6875.jpg
    60.5 KB · Views: 338
  • IMG_6876.JPG
    IMG_6876.JPG
    50.2 KB · Views: 368
  • IMG_6877.jpg
    IMG_6877.jpg
    71.9 KB · Views: 318
  • IMG_6883.JPG
    IMG_6883.JPG
    61.3 KB · Views: 332
Last edited:
I get a vague sense of very late 1940s to very early 1950s. Do you think the length of the suit jacket is short? It looks to be rather short in your photo. Hard to tell if that is the intended style, or if the original owner was a short man.

It is a nice suit jacket.
 
It might look a bit off because it is a 4 x 2 instead of a 6x2 button front which is more "the norm." I guess it could be early 50s but the waist suppression says 40s to me.
 
Thanks everyone. The length of the bottom hem is 30". So a little short. The sleeve is 24.5" so I don't think it is a "short" cut. My initial impressions were also 1940s. It's too bad I can't find a union label. I'm suppressing the urge to open up some seams and look around!
 
There is no need to have a union label. The style is squarely 40s. If you don't see the label, it likely isn't there but it really doesn't hurt or help your item. It is a nice 40s suit jacket...a good style that is popular right now. It is hurt a bit since it is an orphan (missing its trousers) but does hold some appeal as a separates piece. 30" is pretty standard for length so I don't think that is an issue.

It is a nice jacket with great lapels and a bit of a unique button set. I hope you do really well with it!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top