I recently noticed that there are more chances to pick up OK 40 to wear these days.
The photo is an OK40 from 2013S/S, the latest version of seldom seen POST O’ALLS’ 2 pocket jacket variations.
In the vintage world, 2 pocket work jackets are also relatively scarce…many of survived examples are from during WW2 period. They were made under War Restrictions – for saving materials due to the wartime shortage.
There are also prewar 2 pocket jackets exist, but they are usually budget variants of more popular 4 or 3 pocket models.
So, many manufacturers started coming up with their own version of stripped-down 2 pocket jackets during wartime….
This example is from OSHKOSH, from WW2. This is actually OK40’s main inspiration.
The collar…… is borrowed from its regular prewar 4 pocket brethren. This ” open ” style collar gained its popularity by the end of 30s….replacing previous “ chinstrap “ style.
The button…..is swivel type in brass material….unlikely for wartime model….is also same as prewar model. Many brands used plainer open-top (AKA Donut-style) or even generic wreath design without logo during that period.
Has only 2 below pockets. Looks like they simply took off upper pockets. Some models from some brands have upper left and lower right pocket, or some other combinations,,,,but most have lower 2 pockets like this.
In many cases, they switched to simpler cuff styles during the restriction, but this OSHKOSH still retains its Engineers’ cuffs from its prewar model.
There are many variations in these wartime models…it is an interesting category by itself.
I didn’t include OK40 in our current 2014S/S list….but starting to feel like I should….( Takeshi )
P.S.
Discovered a cool piece……I bet it is about 10 years old.
I remember I stole this cool pocket idea from a sample bag I bought at a vintage store named SPEC’S in Shibuya …..the brand was possibly 70s R.E.I. Coop or something….I don’t remember exactly….where is that sample anyway?