Vintage Sports Coat Age & Label

[steve w]

I dug this out of one my trunks and have no recollection where I got it from so cant really pin it down to a period but its a 3 button opening sports coat with working buttons on all pockets so I am assuming 60's - 70 's, from the cut etc..?
The label inside appears to be M.A . and it was sold by Blyden - Murray Clothiers New York , a google search did not bring me any info on either label and I am wondering if anyone knows the maker M A ? There is a union label inside.
Thank You- Steve

 

[retro ruth]

The union label will help with dating if you can show that. The wide collar suggests 70s to me, but others know their menswear better than I do.

 

[lkranieri]

I think M A are the jacket owner’s initials. When I have a few minutes I will see if I can find any bits for you about Blyden-Murray.

 

[steve w]

The union label will help with dating if you can show that. The wide collar suggests 70s to me, but others know their menswear better than I do.

True - Here it is

 

[steve w]

I think M A are the jacket owner’s initials. When I have a few minutes I will see if I can find any bits for you about Blyden-Murray.

Thank You !

 

[lkranieri]

I agree there seems to be little information out there about Blyden Murray, but I found a few small references. Here is one little 1958 item re Blyden Murray renting a space in NYC:

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

Can you show the back. And does it have a full inside back lining or just a half lining.
I am getting a late 1960s feel

 

[Linn]

Lynne - you are amazing!

I agree that the initials "MA" are a monogram - the initials of the original owner not the maker. We don't have a lot of information about ACWA labels but we have the one in your jacket listed as used from 1962-1976 which pretty much nails it! (As does the style and the collar!)

https://vintagefashionguild.org/label-resource/amalgamated-clothing-workers-of-america/

 

[lkranieri]

1) I found a 1942 WWII draft registration card for 41 year old Dominick Paion, from Italy., who worked for Blyden Murray at 45 W 41st Street in NYC. Perhaps he was a tailor working for them?


2) I found this 1959 NY city directory entry for Blyden Murray "tlrs" (tailors):

3) I found what seems to be a transcription of testimony for a 1952 Air Force Special Investigation, in which someone said: "For approximately twenty years, he has been buying his clothes from one Blyden Murray of New York City." (Note: The emphasis is mine)

 

[steve w]

Can you show the back. And does it have a full inside back lining or just a half lining.
I am getting a late 1960s feel

Hiya - here is the back - single vent and its half lined with this great blue poly silk lining .Yea I think I will go with late 60's.

 

[steve w]

Lynne - you are amazing!

I agree that the initials "MA" are a monogram - the initials of the original owner not the maker. We don't have a lot of information about ACWA labels but we have the one in your jacket listed as used from 1962-1976 which pretty much nails it! (As does the style and the collar!)

https://vintagefashionguild.org/label-resource/amalgamated-clothing-workers-of-america/

great thank you !

 

[steve w]

1) I found a 1942 WWII draft registration card for 41 year old Dominick Paion, from Italy., who worked for Blyden Murray at 45 W 41st Street in NYC. Perhaps he was a tailor working for them?


2) I found this 1959 NY city directory entry for Blyden Murray "tlrs" (tailors):
View attachment 120942

3) I found what seems to be a transcription of testimony for a 1952 Air Force Special Investigation, in which someone said: "For approximately twenty years, he has been buying his clothes from one Blyden Murray of New York City." (Note: The emphasis is mine)

Oh wow ! you are amazing ! Thank you --

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

I see early 1970s on this jacket, just a feel I get after living through that decade. We used to call this a "Johnny Carson" jacket due to the cut and pattern but some folks today ask me "Who is Johnny Carson?".

 

[steve w]

I see early 1970s on this jacket, just a feel I get after living through that decade. We used to call this a "Johnny Carson" jacket due to the cut and pattern but some folks today ask me "Who is Johnny Carson?".

Great thank you -- I actually saw an old ad yesterday with Johnny Carson modeling some very mod clothes - so I can imagine him in this !

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

Yes, the fake Norfolk band in the back came out in 1970s. Johnny Carson is right!

 

[steve w]

Yes, the fake Norfolk band in the back came out in 1970s. Johnny Carson is right!

Here's Johnny ...From an ad in a 1970's Playboy Mag.