SWEDISH 1930S BLACK FOUR PIECE SUIT BY OTTO LINDAHL. SIZE EU 52-54 (US/UK42-44)

DESCRIPTION

This suit is of Swedish origin and was made by a tailor named Otto Lindahl, based in Åseda, a small town in southern Sweden. Although it is almost certainly bespoke, no date is given. However, the cut and construction clearly indicate that it was made sometime during the 1930s.

The suit is rather unusual in that it consists of four pieces: a jacket, trousers, and two waistcoats. It is unclear whether both waistcoats originally belonged to the suit, but all four pieces belonged to the same owner and were worn together. We have therefore chosen to offer them as a complete set. The waistcoats are very similar in cut, although one is cut slightly higher than the other. All four pieces are made from a black wool cloth with a plain weave, a fabric very typical of the period.

The jacket is single-breasted and fastens with a single button. It features straight jetted hip pockets and a breast pocket. The left lapel has a buttonhole, and the cuffs are finished with four buttons. The back is plain, with no vent. The interior is fully lined and fitted with a single inside pocket on the right-hand side.

One of the waistcoats is single-breasted and fastens with five buttons. It has four front pockets—two at chest height and two lower pockets. The second waistcoat is very similar, but fastens with six buttons, resulting in a slightly higher fastening. It is worth noting that neither waistcoat has an adjustment buckle at the back, which is a clear indication of bespoke tailoring. On bespoke waistcoats, such an adjustment was generally considered unnecessary.

The trousers feature double forward pleats, vertical side pockets, and a button fly. The braces buttons are fitted to the inside of the front waistband and the outside at the rear. They have two rear pockets, one on each side, both with flaps and button fastenings.

Overall, the condition is excellent. There is, however, some light discolouration to the lining, particularly around the underarms of the jacket. Naturally, this is not visible when the suit is worn. There are also one or two small stains. It is quite possible that these could be removed with further spot cleaning, although we cannot guarantee this.

Please examine the photographs carefully and form your own assessment of the condition. The few flaws mentioned above have all been carefully documented in the images.

SIZE

Sizing is somewhat complex. The jacket corresponds approximately to a modern EU 52 (UK/US 42). The two waistcoats differ slightly in size and are both somewhat larger than the jacket when judged by the chest measurement. The first corresponds approximately to an EU 54 (UK/US 44), while the second corresponds approximately to an EU 56 (UK/US 46). The trousers likewise correspond approximately to a modern EU 56 (UK/US 46).

In summary, the suit will most likely require some alterations in order to achieve a perfect fit. We believe it would suit someone who is approximately an EU 52 (UK/US 42), as the remaining pieces could then be adjusted relatively easily to fit well. For someone significantly larger, there is a risk that the jacket would simply be too small.

Please scroll down for the exact measurements and seam allowances.

JACKET

Chest (A) : 58 cm

Waist (B) : 56 cm 

Sleeves (C) : 60 cm

Shoulders (D) : 46 cm

Total length (E) : 75 cm (72 cm measured from neck seam)

 WAISTCOAT 1

Chest (A) : 55 cm

Waist (B) : 52 cm

Shoulders (C) : 35 cm

Total length (D) : 50 cm

 WAISTCOAT 2

Chest (A) : 57 cm

Waist (B) : 56 cm

Shoulders (C) : 33 cm

Total length (D) : 52 cm

TROUSERS

Waist (A) : 51 cm

Length (B) : 106 cm 

Inseam (C) : 76 cm 

Cuff width (D) : 24 cm

Seam allowance trousers waist: 0 cm 

Seam allowance trousers length: 2 cm