Vintage Women's Double Breasted Wool Pea Coat By Hudson's Bay Co. C. 1970S

VINTAGE WOMEN’S COAT

A high-quality and stylish pea coat, largely in red with a wide black stripe that runs along the lower section and matches up with the cuffs. It is double-breasted with six black buttons and wide lapels.

Made in Canada by ‘The Hudson’s Bay Company, Incorporated 1670’, fully labelled and made from ‘100% pure virgin wool’.

These coats are known as ‘point blanket’ coats. There was a long history in Canada and the Northern US of the European settlers trading wool blankets for fur pelts with Native American and First Nation tribes from the 16th century onwards. In the 1780s, the Hudson Bay Co. started selling these blankets more formally; they had distinctive stripes known as ‘points’ which determined the size and other characteristics. As the fur trade continued, the company sold these blankets to European traders and First Nations people alike. Often, they were just used as blankets, but the purchasers started to wear them more as garments with belts and buttons and toggles before people started making them into coats. In the early 20th Century, the company started formally making and selling wool coats from its department stores.

This example probably dates from the 1970s.

The black satin lining appears to be silk, but isn’t mentioned on the label.

It is in very good vintage condition with only minor wear commensurate with age. It has been well cared for. We can’t find any damage to speak of, with no holes or tears. There is a small mark on one lapel, which is quite faint. I am not sure if this is a stain or whether it is a small area of wear.

Approximate measurements when laid flat:

Shoulder to shoulder: 41cm = 16 inches

Armpit to armpit: 52cm = 20.5 inches

Sleeve length from the shoulder: 60cm = 23.5 inches

Total length excluding collar: 76cm = 30 inches

I would say it probably comes up as a UK women’s size 8-10, but please check the measurements.