This is an extremely rare late 1910s, circa 1919, men’s Chesterfield overcoat. Made of a very heavy weight wool melton with a velvet collar. It has a fly-front covered button placket, two side flap pockets, one left breast pocket, one inner pocket, and back vent. The body is lined in wool serge and the sleeves are lined in satin. It is in very good to excellent condition, considering its age. There are just a few bites in the wool, and one small hole on the exterior, and one small amount of open seam under the right arm about 1 inch in length. There is a little fray to the top button hole inside the placket. See the 7th photo for examples of these. This coat was made in St. Louis MO by BeeKay. BeeKay was a brand of men’s and boy’s coats and shoes manufactured by Bettmann-Kleinhauser Clothing Co. Located at 1627 Washington Avenue in the garment district. The Bettmann-Kleinhauser Clothing Co. Has been in business since before 1909 and it’s still going! The last photo on the listing shows an advertisement for identical Chesterfield coats dated 1919. A note about size – Based on the coat measurements, it seems like it is a men’s small to medium. Best suited for a maximum of 36-37 inch chest size to allow proper room for various layers of winter clothing and still have ease of movement. Measurements are approximate, taken flat and doubled where necessary. Chest under arms – 40 inches. Length from shoulder to hem – 43 inches. Sleeve length – 25 inches. Shoulders across back, seam to seam – 16.5 inches. Professional dry clean only. The item “Vintage 1910s 1920s Brown Wool Men’s Chesterfield Coat by BeeKay St. Louis” is in sale since Thursday, January 12, 2017. This item is in the category “Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Vintage\Men’s Vintage Clothing\Outerwear Coats & Jackets”. The seller is “fyve_by_fyve” and is located in Hermann, Missouri. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Brand: BeeKay
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Decade: 1910s
- Color: Brown
- Sleeve Length: 25
- Chest Size: Best fit 36-37 inch chest
- Shoulder to Shoulder: 16.5
- Shoulder to Hem: 43
- Material: 100% Wool
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States