CZUCHOSLOVAKIAN OFF WHITE TWO PIECE LINEN SET. SIZE CA EU 44 (US/UK34)

DESCRIPTION

We do not know very much about this two-piece linen set beyond the fact that it originates from Prague, then Czechoslovakia. That it is old is quite evident, pre-1950, and most likely considerably earlier, as suggested by the buttons and various other details. For once, however, we do not venture a more precise dating. It is made from a light, supple yet tightly woven linen cloth. The colour is best described as off-white.

The jacket is single-breasted and fastens with a total of six buttons at the front. It features patch pockets set horizontally at the front, as well as a generously sized patch breast pocket. The back is closed, with no vent, and the jacket is completely unlined.

The trousers are high-waisted and have internal buttons at the waistband for braces. They are flat front, with no pleats, and feature vertical front pockets. They also have belt loops and a button fly. There are no rear pockets, and at the back there is a type of adjustment buckle to regulate the fit. While the function is similar to what we often see on early 20th-century trousers, the construction itself is somewhat different. The trousers have a wide, generous cut.

The overall condition is very good. On closer inspection, however, one will find some minor blemishes and areas of discolouration — which is of course quite natural for a garment of this age and in such a light colour. The bottom button on the jacket is mismatched, though this could easily be remedied by replacing it with one of the unmarked brace buttons, should this be of concern. In fact, the lowest button is itself a brace button, so swapping them would restore uniformity. There is a small area of discolouration on one shoulder and another at the back, but in our opinion this does not detract from the overall impression. Please study the photographs and form your own assessment of the condition.

SIZE

The sizing of this set is something of a chapter in itself, and mainly concerns the relationship between the jacket and the trousers. Based on the jacket’s chest measurement and the trousers’ waist measurement, the jacket corresponds to an EU 44 (US/UK 34) - a small size. The trousers, on the other hand, correspond to an EU 54 (US/UK 44) at the waist. Naturally, the trousers could be taken in at the waist, though only to a certain extent. Most likely, this set would suit someone with relatively narrow shoulders but a not overly slim waist.

Interestingly, both the jacket and the trousers are marked “48” (US/UK 38). Could it be that the trousers were intended as some form of over-trousers? Their wide cut and the size marking have led us to speculate along those lines. Please scroll down for exact measurements and seam allowances.

MEASUREMENTS

JACKET

Chest (A) : 51 cm

Waist (B) : 51 cm 

Sleeves (C) : 60 cm

Shoulders (D) : 40 cm

Total length (E) : 73 cm (69,5 cm measured from neck seam)

TROUSERS

Waist (A) : 48 cm (with adjusters fully open) 

Length (B) : 110 cm 

Inseam (C) : 80 cm 

Cuff width (D) : 24 cm 

Seam allowance trousers waist: 0 cm 

Seam allowance trousers length: 1 cm