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Original early 1950s Korean War-era reversible souvenir / Sukajan jacket, featuring an unusually striking combination of deep navy blue velour on one side and burgundy/maroon satin with gold satin sleeves on the reverse.
The navy velour side is elaborately embroidered across the back with “Korea,” a map of the Korean peninsula, the 38th Line, and named locations including Pyongyang, Wonsan, Kaesong, Seoul, Inchon, Taegu, Pusan, Mokpo and Koje-do, surrounded by dramatic dragon and tiger imagery. The inclusion of the 38th Line is characteristic of Korean War-period souvenir imagery and strongly places the jacket within the 1950–53 era.
The reverse is equally impressive: rich burgundy/maroon satin with contrasting gold sleeves and a large multicolor embroidered eagle surrounded by floral motifs, with additional embroidery at the chest. The jacket is fully reversible, giving two completely different period designs in one garment.
Particularly noteworthy is the use of velour on the navy side rather than the more commonly encountered satin-on-both-sides construction. Original Tokyo Speed metal zipper.
Condition is exceptionally good for a roughly 75-year-old embroidered souvenir jacket, with little evidence of wear overall. There is one localized area of fading on the underside of the left sleeve between the elbow and cuff, shown clearly in the photographs, along with a few scattered small spots. Please examine all photographs, which form part of the condition description.
Boxy period fit, approximately a modern S/M depending on desired fit. Shoulder to shoulder measures approximately 17 inches, chest is 44 inches, and shoulder to hem is approximately 21 inches.
A particularly graphic and well-preserved example of the embroidered souvenir jackets associated with American military service in East Asia during the Korean War period, with desirable map/38th Parallel imagery and unusual reversible velour and satin construction.
