Herringbone Overalls from 60s or earlier

[LeicaLad]

I am back in the US of A on a visit to the home place. The other day, my mom pulled out a pair of herringbone overalls, saying “do you want these?†She was about to donate them to her church fund-raiser..

These were my grandfather’s, apparently kept in reserve, wrapped in plastic and buried in the trunk of successive cars “in case†he needed them when dressed up. According to my mom, they’ve never been worn, and date from sometime in the 1960’s. They could be older, as she says she only remembers them being from before a house move that occurred in the late 60s.

Sadly, they are a size too small. The granddad was about 5’9†tall, and I’m 6’. I can get ‘em on, but the sleeves are too short. Bummer.

At the moment, I’m mainly hoping for help in identifying them. The herringbone denim is unbelievably great, but there is not one single identifying mark ANYwhere. Most of the buttons and rivets are covered, but the main top button and hidden but accessible cuff buttons are lovely, but offer no hints. The zipper is a “gripper zipperâ€. The overall details, in cut, finished seams, 1/2-lined rear pockets, slash access pockets, in addition to the textile, are fantastic. If they fit, I’d be in 7th heaven.

Anyway, I’d be grateful if anyone could help with any hints as to either who the maker might have been, or at possible dating beyond what I know.

Cheers, LL

Crappy wide shot. Bright outdoor sunlight.

Top collar button. This is the only open, uncovered or non-hidden button.

The Gripper Zipper and hidden snap.

Sleeve/Cuff button detail. Hidden, but accessible button.

Top inner collar. No tag, nor any evidence there EVER was a tag. ???

Inside the pant cuff. Nice finishing work. Selvage? Who knows?

Pocket detail. One is pocket. Other is access to inner clothes.

And the fine finishing of the insides. Amazing attention to details everywhere.

Collar detail taken inside garage. Indirect light. Still no flash.

Close up of top button and the textile. Amazing hand and colors.

Okay. Overdose, perhaps. Any ideas, conjectures or opinions welcome.

Just trying to figure out who might have manufactured these babies.

Thanks!

[Paul T]

Gorgeous. What a cool item.

I confess to not know who made it - it strikes me it might have been made by a big supplier like Edwin Mills, Cone or Bluebell and supplied to a mail order catalog, many of which sold unbranded items like this.

[almostnice]

Awesome!Really like the buttons,very unique.

[kiya]

Those are awesome..

I'd agree with Paul, looks like a product that was probably made as a "private label" item for a small brand.

[blm14]

I propose they be used for a new self edge repro apparel line

[LeicaLad]

Thanks for the observations and comments. I think I'll give these a wash. They've got to be dusty, even without wear, as they were in the trunks of a series of cars over the years.

When dry, I'll take new photos. I'm still just amazed by the denim. ...and really bummed that they're too small for me to wear!

I'll need to figure out what to do with them...

sigh.

[brainmonster]

yeah those look fantastic...I love herringbone. I like the red stitching and that top button, looks great, so does the quality. Should be a costume for a movie or something.