~50s French Work Black Moleskin Jacket "Le Mont St Michel"

HISTORY

This black moleskin jacket was made by Le Mont Saint Michel between the late 1940s and early 1950s.

[Le Mont St. Michel]
It is no exaggeration to say that Le Mont St Michel is the premier brand of French vintage workwear. It has a long history, having been founded in 1913 in Pontorson, near the Mont Saint-Michel monastery in the Normandy region of France. Starting out as a small family-run workshop producing workwear, the brand gained widespread popularity among local craftsmen and farmers in the 1920s and 1930s. It actively promoted advertising to expand its business, and grew into one of the leading brands in western France. Le Mont Saint Michel's workwear, which emphasizes durability and functionality, has its own quality standards, and pockets, stitches, rivets, etc. are strictly differentiated according to the purpose of use, such as farm work, coal mining, hunting, and school wear. Boasting a solid name value, Le Mont Saint Michel's items are also popular in the vintage market. Originally widely used as workwear in France, moleskin is characterized by its fur-like smoothness and luster, with both sides brushed, as its name suggests. In the 1920s and 1930s, it became a staple among local craftsmen and farmers, and was highly praised for its durability and functionality, growing into a workwear brand representing western France.

DETAIL

In addition to the V-pocket and center back seam seen in the 1940s and earlier, this is one of the few pieces produced during the transitional period with a printed tag that is characteristic of the 1950s. The slight red paint marks on the hem are a personal favorite of mine, as they were worn by real workers at the time. The intricate stitching, unique to France, shows the high level of tailoring technology.

CONDITION

The soft brushed moleskin has a charm that can't be found in modern times, and it is in good condition with no noticeable major damage. Please understand that the red paint marks on the hem and small weaving scratches are individual differences unique to vintage items.

SIZE

Notation:
Shoulder width: 47cm
Width: 52cm
Length: 70cm
Sleeve length: 61cm