I purchased this suit from the original owner's daughters and they were able to tell me that their mum had been a land girl during WW2, joining up in 1943, and just after the war she was married in this suit. I also have the suit she had for her going away outfit which is in rust red and brown herringbone and is for sale seperately.
This beautiful suit was made in the 1940's and is labelled G C Mathews Hamilton Road, Felixstowe on the inner.
Made from wool in brown, green and cream tweed it is such a gorgeous piece with wonderful tailoring, especially on the back of the coat.
It has broad shoulders, a smart collar, fastens with a single button and has a neat fitting skirt which fastens on the left hip with a metal zip. The shape of the jacket is fabulous and the back has a fullness and hangs lower than the front - much like a riding jacket.
Fully lined it is a great addition to a vintage lover's wardrobe.
Measurements
The suit will best fit up to a 38-27-38, depending what you plan to wear underneath it, and is for the taller lady but to ensure that it will fit you properly, please compare the measurements below to a similar piece you already own. Please note all measurements have been taken on the outside of the piece;
Jacket
Flat bust 19" in the back and 20" in the front
Flat waist 16"
Shoulders between sleeves 17"
Underarm sleeve length 20.5"
Length 29"
Skirt
Flat waist 13.5"
Flat hip - measured 8" down - 20"
Length 29"
Condition
Good with some points to note;
Skirt
- 2 small darns in the back skirt and 5 in the front - most are felt rather than seen
- a large darn in the front skirt - see photo
- discolouration and foxing on the lining
Jacket
- there are a small number of breaks to the weave where it has been nibbled by moths - mending them will make them more visible, in my opinion, so I have left them
- darn on the left front jacket on a dart above the pocket - see photo
- darn on the left front below the bottom buttonhole
- 2 darns on the left back shoulder
- darns on the inner right lapel - not seen when worn
Even with all the issues, this suit is a beautiful garment in a fabulous colourway.