Vintage US Navy Watch Cap from the Vietnam Era

While picking through piles of old clothing, hats, handbags, and scarves, we're always happy to find vintage military wool caps. Not many of these made it through the years and wars without being destroyed or lost. 30, 40, 50 or 60 years ago, no one could probably even fathom the value that a simple stocking cap could have in the long term.

This one sold at auction for $175.50 here. Made by Rudolph Knitting Mills, it was probably issued to the sailor who wore it in 1970.

We've recently picked up another Navy watch cap that will be put to auction soon. These are always pretty exciting auctions so we can hardly wait! We'll post pics after it's up.

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap Nomenclature Tag. The DSA number dates this cap's issue at 1970.

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap (unrolled)

Vintage 50s Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) Waxed Canvas Mountain Climbing Parka

To be honest, this gem of a Parka was really difficult to date. There is a ton of conflicting information out there about the REI companies labels and addresses throughout the years.  All that I known for sure is that Recreational Equipment Inc. started out in 1938 selling ice climbing axes, then became known as the REI co-op in the early 1970s focusing on high-end mountain climbing gear.

The vintage Coats & Clark zipper on this parka was produced in the mid-50s and probably into the very early 60s.  The canvas is reminiscent of the military jackets being issued during the Korean War.

This piece was sold to Heller's Cafe, publishers of the Kings of Vintage books and go-to design consultants for a few heritage clothing re-producers.  Who knows, maybe you'll see a similar piece in the J.Crew store soon.
 

Vintage 50s REI Parka with Roll-Away Hidden Hood

Vintage 50s REI Parka Back & Game Pouch

Vintage 50s REI Parka Hidden Hood

Vintage 50s REI Parka Interior

Vintage 50s REI Label

Vintage 50s REI Parka Wash Instructions

50s style Coats & Clark Zipper

1930s Denim Hunting / Work Vest

1930s Vintage Denim Hunting Vest

Yet another treasure fished out of the Goodwill bins.

This 1930s hunting vest had seen quite a bit of action in it's lifetime.  It had plenty of paint and blood stains, and was missing a button off of the front pocket.

We were happy that this was sold to a world renowned vintage collector/publisher/clothing maker.  It will become a museum piece that will be cherished for many decades to come.  This vest was about 30 minutes away from being shredded to rags until we dug it out.

Final auction price: $276.00

1930s Denim Hunting Vest Back Side

 

1930s Denim Hunting Vest Game Pouch

1930s Denim Hunting Vest Interior