SWEDISH 1930S DARK BLUE THREE PIECE DOUBE BREASTED SUIT BY SEIFERTS. SIZE EU 52 (US/UK42)

DESCRIPTION

This three-piece suit is of Swedish origin. It was originally sold by Seiferts, a well-known ready-to-wear firm which operated both an extensive mail-order business and a large shop in Stockholm during the 1920s and 1930s. Seiferts mail-order catalogues are relatively common on the market today, but the garments themselves are rare, and it is unusual for us to be able to offer a suit from Seiferts. It is tailored from a heavy dark navy cloth with a subtle twill weave.

The jacket is double-breasted with three rows of buttons, two of which are functional. It features horizontal welted front pockets and a breast pocket. Each lapel has a buttonhole. The back is closed, without a vent. Internally, the jacket is fully lined and fitted with two inside pockets, one on each side. The left-hand pocket fastens with a button.

The waistcoat is single-breasted with six buttons. It has four front pockets, two at chest height and two lower down. At the back there is a buckle for adjusting the fit. The waistcoat has been let out at the sides, something we shall return to in the section concerning sizing.

The trousers feature a single pleat and vertical front pockets. They have a button fly, and the waistband is fitted externally with buttons for braces. At the time, it was still standard practice for these buttons to be placed on the outside. The trouser hems are turn-ups. At the back there is a somewhat unusual alteration to the centre seam, most likely carried out in order to increase the waist size. Please refer to the photographs. This could easily be restored if desired.

The overall condition is good, although a careful inspection reveals a number of minor flaws, most of them relating to discolouration. There is no actual damage to the cloth, though the trousers show some shine from wear at the seat. The brace buttons are mismatched. Please study the photographs carefully and form your own impression of the condition.

SIZE

The sizing of this suit is somewhat complex. The jacket is the only part that retains its original proportions, corresponding approximately to a modern EU 52 (UK/US 42). As previously mentioned, the waistcoat has been let out at the sides and now corresponds more closely to an EU 58 (UK/US 48). The trousers, likewise altered, now correspond approximately to an EU 60 (UK/US 50).

In our view, the most sensible solution would be to alter the waistcoat and trousers back to proportions matching the jacket, should one wish all three pieces to correspond in size. Alternatively, the suit could be worn in its current state by someone who normally wears approximately an EU 58–60 (UK/US 48–50), though one would then have to accept that the jacket could never be buttoned comfortably. Please scroll down for exact measurements and seam allowances.

JACKET

Chest (A) : 58 cm

Waist (B) : 53 cm 

Sleeves (C) : 66 cm

Shoulders (D) : 47 cm

Total length (E) : 79 cm (76 cm measured from neck seam)

 WAISTCOAT

Chest (A) : 59 cm

Waist (B) : 57 cm (with adjusters fully open)

Shoulders (C) : 32 cm

Total length (D) : 51 cm

TROUSERS

Waist (A) : 55 cm 

Length (B) : 57 cm 

Inseam (C) : 112 cm 

Cuff width (D) : 82 cm

Seam allowance trousers waist: 0 cm 

Seam allowance trousers length: 2 cm + 8 cm (if the cuff is removed).