Genuine Vintage 1940s-50s Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Union Made *Unreal Condition* Red & Black Plaid, Back Map Pocket, Beautiful Condition


This genuine Filson jacket is truly something to behold. The pictures really cannot do it justice; the texture of the wool when taking pictures gives a chalky washed-out look, but the actual color of the jacket is very rich and not at all faded. It appears to rarely have been worn, as there is still a general stiffness to the wool that is suprising since its at least 65+ years old! This truly seems like something you'd find in your grandparents' front door coat closet that never was worn beyond cold trips taking the garbage out or doing some yard work. Such a cool piece of apparel, logging, gold rush and American Union history all in one. Handling it feels like handling a museum piece!


While researching how to determine this jacket's age, I came across this awesome article on the history of C.C. Filson and how best to identify when their items were made. This is worth your time to read.

https://oldtimerscloset.com/pages/guide-to-dating-filson-cloth


Using the information in the article above and the specifics of this jacket, it appears to be made in the 1940s-1950s. That is based on:

* the label design... lack of address, no "dry-clean only" message and no size label

* the pocket snap button design & material

* the location of the union made tag, plus the tag itself

* the off-set lower front pockets... each pocket is its own piece, not a one-piece appliqué as they transitioned to with newer jackets


At the time this was made, Filson did not have a jacket sizing on a label on their garments. Best guess would be a size Large or X-Large, and given its intended use, it's a loose bulky fit to allow for under-layers and tool belts. The wool has a bit of stretch to it, but the ballpark dimensions are as follows:

+ Flat chest measurement under armpits: 29"

+ Flat height measurement from collar: 24.5"

+ Flat sleeve measurement from shoulder: 23"

+ Flat height measurement from back of collar: 29"

(The collage image showing these lengths are shown in this order, left to right)


The only real sign of usage is that one of the buttons looks like its been sewn back on at some point (see images), hinted at because the sewing on that button is messier than all the others.


There is also a small hole near the bottom of the jacket we suspect is moth damage. There are three images showing the hole: one as it lays flat with a pointer indicating its location (its hard to see), one with a small amount of pressure and a third with harder pressure trying to show the hole at its widest. I didn't even notice this hole given its placement and size until I was checking the stitching around the bottom hem.


This garment feels as much a part of the history of the Pacific Northwest's logging & mining industries, as much as it's a part of the history of "Made In America" apparel and American union workers.


Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions or would like to see additional images. This is one time when eBay's allotment of 24 pictures just didn't feel like enough.


Upon payment this item will ship insured within 1-business day, and will require signature upon delivery. Delivery acceptance signature is non-negotiable given this items value, so please be sure you are having this shipped to a location where that will be feasible.



C.C. FILSON Historical Exerpt from Seattle's Museum of History & Industry:

Filson patented the “Mackinaw Cruiser” in 1914. It was originally designed for timber cruisers—workers who measure trees and collect forest data. The back has a double layer of wool for warmth and to accommodate a roomy back pocket for storing maps.


The same coat is still in production today with only a few modifications. C. C. Filson was founded in 1897 to outfit Klondike Gold Rush miners for harsh conditions. Between 1897 and 1900 an estimated 100,000 prospectors headed to the Yukon. Seattle was the embarkation point for almost two-thirds of them, and so local merchants clamored to “mine the miners” by selling supplies. Mackinaw fabric—a term for heavy, dense wool—was one of the first products Clinton C. Filson advertised. He made blankets, coats, and boot insulation out of the durable and warm material.