Buzz Rickson's PEA-COAT “NAVAL CLOTHING FACTORY”

The original model of the commonly known “pea coat” is said to have existed in the 18th century. The name originated from the Dutch word “piijekker,” in which “pii” referred to coarse woolen item and “jekker” referred to jacket. Pea coat style coats were worn by a number of militaries in European countries. This pea coat is from the 1910s that the U.S. Navy issued to petty officers. Pea coats of the 1910s are characterized by the use of highdensity, thick melton wool material and anchor buttons engraved with 13 stars of the seal of the United States. The 13 stars represent the 13 colonies that existed when the United States declared independence in 1777. While it is not known exactly when the U.S. Navy adopted the pea coat, the overcoat was already port of the petty officer dress code during World War I. A large collar was designed so that officers working on the sea can cover their faces with the collar and fully protect their faces from strong winds. In addition, slittype pockets were attached vertically to serve as hand warmer pockets to warm up cold hands.From the 1930s and onwards, as a result of reviewing productivity and cost, lighter fabrics were utilized, and the 13-star buttons were eliminated.