Buzz Rickson#s Type DECK ZIP ALPACA AND WOOL PILE LINING “NAVY DEPARTMENT”

Description

Type DECK ZIP ALPACA AND WOOL PILE LINING “NAVY DEPARTMENT”

THe NAF 1168 version 3 jacket

This deck jacket used during World War II is one of the items belonging to the US Navy’s “Special Winter Clothing.” The material used is a cotton grosgrain called “jungle cloth” that is wind resistant and water repellent. The front zipper closure and wool rib knit on the collar, sleeves, and hem prevent wind from entering. In addition to the jacket, a pair of trousers with a breastplate made of the same material, a helmet, a wool face mask, leather gloves, goggles, and shoes were also included in the set, making it a complete ensemble for working when traversing extremely cold seas. The later deck jackets had a wool blanket lining, but the early models had an alpaca wool pile lining with wind flaps and large patch pockets