Hat of the Week: 1960s Era Penney's BIG-MAC Balloon Top Engineer Cap

First off, apologies to all the readers of this blog for the lack of posts this past year. While we have been sharing with INSTAGRAM @vintageworkwear, it can't take the place of this blog nor does it allow for the multiple photos or written word that help to share just a bit of information about the vintage work clothing we have a passion for. This vintage BIG-MAC denim engineer cap marks the first edition of our new weekly "Hat of the Week" installment and a renewed effort to share information and photos of the vintage workwear we love. Enjoy!

1960s era Penneys BIG-MAC six panel denim "balloon top" engineer cap.

 

The variation of fading seen on the different types of denim used to construct this cap result in an almost two-tone appearance. Reminiscent of traditional "Eastern" type railroad caps with their hickory stripe crown paired with a denim headband and visor.

Beautiful fade variations between the darker denim of the visor and headband and the lighter edge trim of the visor.

Close up of the lighter weight denim of the headband and visor along with the Penneys BIG-MAC UNION MADE size label.

Close up view of the heavier grain denim used on the six panel crown portion of the cap.

Vintage PENNEY'S BIG MAC Coveralls

New old stock PENNEY'S BIG MAC one piece work suit with original flasher. This vintage suit features two tone •SANFORIZED• herringbone twill fabric and was customized with company name and employee chain stitching. Details include ACTION BACK shoulder pleating for full range of movement, double stitched SAIL CLOTH pockets, BAR TACK stitching at points of strain and TWO WAY ZIPPER. The PENNEY's BIG MAC front pocket label dates this coverall to the early 1950's.

Sold via The San Fernando Valley Mercantile Co.

Faded Blues...1940's J.C. PENNEY CO. PAY DAY Union Made Sanforized Chore Jacket

Vintage 1940's era J.C. Penney Co. PAY DAY raglan sleeve chore jacket. Made with narrow loom indigo selvedge denim

Nice armpit fade

J.C. Penney Co. Inc. PAY DAY UNION MADE SANFORIZED SHRUNK printed label

Lower front pockets lined with selvedge denim

Faded United Garment Workers of America union label

Lightning Magazine AMERICAN HERITAGE Special Issue Vol. 101

Back in October I posted on the pleasure and honor of having Shogo & Tad from Lightning Magazine in our home to photograph a few pieces from the collection. The American Heritage issue Vol.101 featuring photos taken that Sunday hit the domestic stands today. I'm real pleased with the results. Many thanks to the folks at Lightning who graciously sent 2 copies. 

In addition to pictures from the magazine, over the next few days I'll also share more detailed photos of some of my favorite vintage workwear from the collection that was featured in the article .

 

1950s era PENNEY’S salt & pepper whipcord wool lined jacket.

PENNEY'S PAY-DAY UNION MADE label.

Slant pocket featuring much favored red GRIPPER ZIPPER with deco chain pull. 

Scovil GRIPPER ZIPPER.

 

Belt back with by-swing pleats.

Close up of belt back, cat eye side button waist adjustors and expansion by-swing pleats.

The issue also featured our Rose Bowl neighbor Randy Jones aka Tiki Ranch showing off some of his great advertising memorabilia and collectibles. Some photos to follow.

1950's Era Penney's PAY-DAY Union Made Chore Jacket

1950's era J. C. Penney PAY-DAY Union Made Raglan Sleeve Indigo Denim Chore Jacket

Grainy indigo denim, triple stitching, red bar tacking. Additional "button hole" for watch chain

Front watch pocket with last remaining pieces of Penney's  label  

United Garment Workers of America union label

Flannel Time

1950’s & 1960’s era vintage flannel work shirts currently in stock at The San Fernando Valley Mercantile Co. Contact for price & availability.