Abercrombie & Fitch is mainly known now for its teenager-oriented fashion, and its rather tacky ad. campaigns. It's also known for claiming that it's been an authentic American company since 1892. And, while the company that was the predecessor of the current A&F was founded then, for the current A&F to claim that it's just as authentically American the original is rather like Edward Hyde claiming to be just as authentically good as Dr. Henry Jeykll.
Founded in 1892, Abercrombie & Fitch started life as a sporting goods store specializing in gear that by its nature had to perform well--or else its owner could end up dead. Abercrombie & Fitch outfitted Charles Lindbergh for his solo flight across the Atlantic (and in the process produced a wonderful A1 jacket!), Teddy Roosevelt for his hunting trips, and Ernest Hemingway with fishing equipment, various items of manly outdoor clothing--and the shotgun that he used to kill himself.
By 1977, the company was in bankruptcy, and in 1978 it was purchased by a Houston-based sporting goods firm that intended to continue its august heritage. Unfortunately, there clearly was a reason for the demise of Abercrombie & Fitch in 1977, and the firm was again sold in 1988, to the The Limited. This fashion-orientated clothing firm that made the once-great clothing company a cash cow of cheap and fashionable teenage clothing.
A good indication of the difference between the current A&F and the original can be seen in the fact that in 1927 the company patented a new form of telescopic sight mounting for rifles, while in 2011 it patented a new type of flower topped perfume bottle.
THIS jacket dates from the era when it was still a leading purveyor of first-class clothing that was built to last. This is cut from extremely soft and luxurious cashmere at a time when cashmere really was a special fabric. (Old-style cashmere is very different from the cheap mall cashmere that's so prevalent today.) Both the hand and drape of this fabric are lovely!
The jacket is cut as a three button sack, with the ever-desirable three patch pockets. The lapels are beautifully narrow, as is proper for a mid-century jacket, and it has two button cuffs. It is half-canvassed and half-lined, and has a single center vent. It has lovely natural shoulders. It was, of course, Union made in the USA, and carries the classic green-on-black Abercrombie & Fitch label.
This jacket does have two minor flaws, neither of which are very noticeable. First, there is a small snag on the lapel; this can hardly be seen, and would be a very easy repair to make for a competent reweaver. Second, there is some slight mars near the right-hand hem, by the pocket, as shown--again, this can hardly be seen when the jacket is worn. Because of these, the jacket is in Very Good condition, and so is a bargain at
just $39 > 32, or offer, boxed and shipped in the USA.
Measurements:
Chest: 21 1/2
Sleeve: 25 1/4 (+1 3/4)
Shoulder: 17 3/4
Length: 30 1/2
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