Vintage 70's - 80's -Jacob Reeds Sons- Men's Pea coat. Citadel cadet uniform Light Gray Blue top - Gilt SC buttons. Faux fur lining. Size 38 Reg

Jacob Reeds' Sons - Fine Uniforms
wool
labeled, US Size '38-R'(please rely on measurements provided)
1970's -1980's

Form follows function in one of the most popular and utilitarian garments to come from the military...the Pea Coat.
This particular coat model is standard issue for cadets at The Citadel, Charleston SC. Mottled Gray Blue, very heavy wool shell with 'South Carolina' buttons. Two-piece, gilt brass buttons w/ wire loop shank - the back mark 'Waterbury'. In military terms, technically, a 'reefer' coat as it has epaulet straps on the shoulders and gold buttons...Reserved for officers when in military use. This one has a single interior button and should be closed left-over-right.

Jacob Reeds is an old firm established in 1824. It was a finer Men's clothing store with a landmark building erected in 1903 on Chestnut St in downtown Philadelphia's City Center. Mid century Reeds' was considered the oldest operating uniform manufacturer which operated separately from the retail location top in South Philly. They closed their doors in 1983 after 160 years in business.
Here's a link to a 1950 Saturday Evening post article on the firm:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=98c809b6-23b7-4836-9f80-4beaf83e3f22%40sessionmgr110&vid=2&hid=102

Large 5 1/4" 'bird's beak' lapel.
Double breasted. Six (6) SC buttons on front, with one (1) interior button.
Natural shoulders with epaulet straps, each with a single Blue button.
Plain cuff with three (3) angled Navy Blue stripes (this denotes a Senior, or fourth year student).
Single center tail vent.
Body fully lined in Gray faux fur lining. Lining has name 'label' attached, stenciled as pictured on canvas webbing. Sleeves lined in Light Blue quilted satin with insulated backing.
One interior breast pocket, vertical, with tailors tag inside.
Bright nickel plated hanger chain at back of collar.
Approx. measurements (exterior):
21.5" Chest, underarm to underarm
18.5" Shoulder to shoulder
26.0" Sleeve, shoulder to cuff
32.0" Back, collar bottom to hem

Excellent condition, but not perfect. There are a few spots of subtle discoloration(rust color) on both cuffs and a small moth hole on back that has been darned(?)...See last image.