SWEDISH 1910S/1920s MEDIUM-GREY THREE PIECE HEAVYWEIGHT WADMAL SUIT. SIZE CA EU 46 (US/UK36)

DESCRIPTION

This suit has undoubtedly passed the 100-year mark. It carries no labels, and it is difficult to determine the exact year of manufacture, but it was most likely tailored sometime during the 1910s, or possibly in the early years of the 1920s, and is of Swedish origin. It is made from a very heavy wadmal cloth in a mid-grey tone.

The jacket is double-breasted with contrasting brown buttons and features three rows of buttons, all of which are functional. It has horizontal front pockets with flaps as well as a breast pocket. The back is straight and lacks vents. The sleeves feature two buttons at the cuffs. Internally, the jacket is fully lined in a grey-mottled wool fabric throughout the body and includes an inner pocket on the right-hand side.

The waistcoat is period-correct in cut, with a high fastening and no darts. It is single-breasted and fastens with six buttons. It has three front pockets: a breast pocket on the left side and a lower pocket on each side. The back is made from a striped cotton fabric and includes an adjustable back strap to regulate the fit.

The trousers are flat-fronted, with no pleats. They feature vertical front pockets and external buttons on the waistband for braces, which is typical of the period. They have a button fly and no turn-ups at the hems. Turning them over reveals several characteristic details of the era: they feature a so-called fishtail back, meaning the centre seam is split up towards the waistband, and they also include a back strap for size adjustment.

Regarding condition, it is overall excellent considering the suit’s age and character. This does not mean that it is entirely free from flaws. Most notably, there are minor damages and discolourations to the linings across all three pieces. There is a repair to the waistcoat lining on the inside, in the form of a black patch. None of the issues mentioned are visible when the suit is worn. One of the buttons on the left jacket cuff is damaged. Some of the brace buttons are mismatched. Please study the images carefully and form your own assessment of the condition.

SIZE

When considering all three pieces together, the suit corresponds to a modern EU size 46 (US/UK 36). The trousers are slightly larger in the waist, corresponding to approximately an EU 50 (US/UK 40). This measurement is taken with the back strap fully loosened; when the strap is tightened slightly, the trousers correspond in size with the other pieces. Please scroll down for exact measurements and seam allowances.

MEASUREMENTS

JACKET

Chest (A) : 49 cm

Waist (B) : 49 cm 

Sleeves (C) : 60 cm

Shoulders (D) : 43 cm

Total length (E) : 81 cm (78 cm measured from neck seam)

 WAISTCOAT

Chest (A) : 47 cm

Waist (B) : 46 cm (with adjusters fully open)

Shoulders (C) : 34 cm

Total length (D) : 50 cm

TROUSERS

Waist (A) : 45 cm (with adjusters fully open) 

Length (B) : 110 cm 

Inseam (C) : 77 cm 

Cuff width (D) : 25 cm

Seam allowance trousers waist: 1 cm 

Seam allowance trousers length: 1 cm