{"product_id":"the-real-mccoy-s-alpaca-vest-uss-ashtabula","title":"ALPACA VEST \/ USS ASHTABULA","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe ALPACA VEST \/ USS ASHTABULA pays homage to the USS Ashtabula, a US Navy fleet oiler in service from 1943 until its decommissioning in 1982.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThroughout its decades-long service, the USS Ashtabula withstood the challenges of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe USS Ashtabula's extensive journeys and time in service took it to ports in Subic Bay, Sasebo, Yokosuka in Japan, Hong Kong, and Keelung in Taiwan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWhilst US military were stationed in parts of Asia, it became a common practice for GIs to bring back souvenirs during their leave.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSoldiers used their uniforms as a canvas, enlisting local tailors to customise jackets and accessories that could portray their wartime experiences, showcasing maps, stationed bases, and incorporating traditional motifs, like the dragons seen embroidered on our ALPACA VEST \/ USS ASHTABULA.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe embroidered details of this piece have been applied with a large format embroidery machine using eight different thread colors, and each piece is individually adjusted by hand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe USN ALPACA VEST was a layer piece worn by the US Navy during the Second World War.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMade from a cotton poplin shell and finished with a plush alpaca lining, aspects of this garment are reminiscent of the N-1 Deck Jacket that was also worn during this period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe actual origins of this piece are elusive as there is no military specification tag available to refer to.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHowever, archive images and found vintage pieces with evidence of being signed off by inspectors do confirm the vests role among sailors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe prevailing theory being that the USN ALPACA VEST was a civilian garment that would have been made by a contractor with experience and skill in crafting military uniform.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe smooth handle of the shell found on vests worn in the 40s has been carefully replicated with our cotton poplin, while the alpaca lining adds a comfortable, insulating layer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAlpaca wool pile lining\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e40s brass bell-shape zip\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCotton thread construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"The Real McCoy's","offers":[{"title":"36","offer_id":53143166681367,"sku":"MJ23110","price":919.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"38","offer_id":53143166714135,"sku":"MJ23110","price":919.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"40","offer_id":53143166746903,"sku":"MJ23110","price":919.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"42","offer_id":53143166779671,"sku":"MJ23110","price":919.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"44","offer_id":53143166812439,"sku":"MJ23110","price":919.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0992\/5994\/1143\/files\/MJ23110_KHK_9503_path2402.jpg?v=1777517719","url":"https:\/\/therightgarment.com\/products\/the-real-mccoy-s-alpaca-vest-uss-ashtabula","provider":"The Right Garment","version":"1.0","type":"link"}