Vtg Grenfell Abercrombie & Fitch England Heated Battery Vest Visa-Therm Sz Large can you help me date?

[misskelliecmu]

I’ve had this vest 24 years. It has a Waldes zipper and has plastic zipper, Velcro red, battery pack from keystone electronics NY, NY.

Can anyone help me date item? I know it’s pre 1977 as that’s when Abercrombie moved from their Madison Ave Store.

 

[BlackLotusVintage]

What a great vest! There are a lot of elements to consider! I just did a deep dive into Grenfell and its very interesting stuff! The Grenfell fabric was invented in 1923, it was readily used in fashion worldwide in 1935. As you stated it is pre 1977 based on the Madison Ave address. Keystone electronics appears to have started in 1948. I found a vintage 1970s jacket that also used the "visa-therm products inc" heater. Coil type nylon zippers were invented in 1940 but not in common use until the 1960s, however I am thinking this is a molded zipper vs a coil, but I am not 100% sure. The style looks late 60's to 70's to me, and I found the same vest as yours HERE - you will need to translate the page to English- they also state 60's to 70's.

 

[misskelliecmu]

Thank you so much! I knew someone would come through. I originally thought it was the 1940s. Thanks for pointing this out. It’s been a really fun dive into the vest! I’ve had it in my care for 24 years. I thought it at an estate sale in Grand Rapids, MI.