• Vintage 40s–60s Merchant Navy Purser’s Jacket • Wood’s of South Shields Uniform
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  • Decade 1950s
  • Condition Excellent Condition Chart
  • Label Wood’s of South Shields

Vintage 40s–60s Merchant Navy Purser’s Jacket • Wood’s of South Shields Uniform

Vintage 40s–60s Merchant Navy Purser’s Jacket • Wood’s of South Shields Uniform

£220.00 GBP
£220.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

An authentic piece of British maritime history with timeless vintage style.

This authentic Merchant Navy uniform jacket was tailored by Wood’s of South Shields, renowned naval outfitters to generations of seafarers. Dating from the late 1940s to early 1960s, it reflects the classic formality of Britain’s post-war shipping era.

Merchant Navy uniforms are highly collectible, especially those with department distinction colors. Purple with gold was reserved for pursers and stewards, making this jacket scarcer than the more common deck officer uniforms. A superb find for collectors of ocean liner memorabilia, naval uniforms, and maritime heritage.

Beyond its history, this jacket works beautifully as a vintage statement blazer. The gilt anchor buttons and purple trim give a sharp, naval-chic edge — ideal for styling with tailoring, denim, or as a striking display piece.

  • Double-breasted black wool with sharp naval tailoring.
  • Traditional naval cut with peaked lapels and structured shoulders.
  • Six gilt fouled anchor buttons – (Merchant Navy standard issue).
  • Purple-and-gold chevron cuff braid, denoting the Purser’s / Steward’s Department, responsible for passenger services, catering, and hospitality aboard ship. British Merchant Navy.
  • Tailored by Wood’s of South Shields (UK).
  • Fully lined interior.

  • Era: Post-WWII to early 1960s.

Measures edge to edge laid flat (doubled where necessary)

  • 40" chest.
  • 17.5" across shoulders.
  • 25.5" sleeve length from shoulder to cuff.
  • 30" back length.

CONDITION: Excellent.

  • Care Dry Clean
  • Fabric Wool
  • Type Vintage
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Good to know

Colour Disclaimer

We have done our best to describe the colours and shades of the fabric, clothes and products listed here, but because monitors vary in the display of colour differently and some descriptive terms used for shades of colour can be perceived and interpreted differently, depending on the viewer, we cannot be held responsible if you receive something and the colour doesn't look how you envisioned it would.

Online shopping does create challenges in this respect, so if you have your heart set on a very specific type of colour or shade, in order to avoid disappointment, please contact us first so we can try and provide more information regarding the item you're interested in.  We do not offer refunds for differing colour perceptions.

Caring for vintage

All our vintage items are individually selected for their quality and style. Vintage items may come with minor flaws due to pre-loved wear, bearing in mind 'vintage' means older than 20 years, 'antique' means over 100 years old. 

As with all vintage the number one rule is take care!

The garments will likely be over 20 years old or even 120 years old so please bear that in mind when dressing and handling. The older/antique items do require very careful handling as natural products used in the cottons and fabrics are more susceptible to natural wear and becoming fragile.

Hand-wash when you can, gently will cool water and special detergent designed for vintage clothing. Leave to soak overnight, do not wring or spin. Use a towel to wrap and soak up most of the water.

Be mindful that most of the older fabrics will not react well to washing machines or dry cleaning, unless they are a specialist cleaner.

With suits and outerwear, dry brush and lightly steam.

Steaming is good for most vintage, the steam kills bacteria and smells, then you can give it a brush afterwards.

To deodorise - we use a special mix of alcohol and anti bacterial essences, our own brand. Message if you want to buy a bottle. It also doubles as a hand sanitiser.

Shipping Brief Info

Dispatch & delivery: Orders are dispatched within 1–3 working days (excluding weekends and UK bank holidays) via Royal Mail. Delivery options and estimated times are shown at checkout. For USA orders, the delivery price includes applicable import tariffs, duties and customs-handling costs, so no additional customs charges should be due on delivery.

Size Guide

The measurements listed on each item are the actual garment measurements — not a modern clothing size label, and not your body measurements. Vintage sizing varies enormously by era, maker, and cut, so a labelled '12' from the 1960s may measure very differently to a modern 12. You'll also need to allow room for movement depending on the cut and style of the piece — a relaxed 1970s blouse needs more ease than a structured 1950s jacket. The best approach is to compare the listed measurements directly against a similar garment you already own and know fits you well. This is the most reliable way to judge fit — and the step most people skip.

View Size Chart
UK sizeUS sizeBust (inches)Waist (inches)
4030-32"22"
6232-34"24"
8432-34"26"
10634-36"28"
12836-38"30"
141038-40"32"
161240-44"34"
181444-46"36-38"
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