Vintage Eskimo Duffle Parka Coat Grenfell Handicrafts Embroidered Purple Wool L

This is a wonderful purple 100% wool “duffle parka” coat that was made in St Anthony, Newfoundland by the Grenfell Handicrafts.  The Grenfell mission was established in 1892 by Dr Wilfred Grenfell to provide medical services to the impoverished population of Newfoundland and Labrador, which consisted primarily of fishermen, their dependents, and the Inuit / native aboriginals.  The mission established a “village industry department”, which had as an aim to provide employment and fund the mission.  One of the endeavours, aside from the establishment of lumber mills and agriculture, was a handicraft industry that became famous for its hooked rugs.  The handicraft industry still exists today, but this is an older coat, probably dating to the 1980s - you’ll note that the date of 1984 appears next to Grenfell Handicrafts on the label.  The cloth label affixed to the interior that reads “Grenfell Handicrafts (1984) Ltd. Handmade in St. Anthony, NFLD Ca 03827”.  They still make parkas, but using poly/cotton shells - pure wool like this is no longer produced.

This coat features a really striking purple colour - very unusual and sure to be noticed.  The wool is similar to that used on Hudson Bay blanket - thick, warm and with a very identifiable nappe (finish).  It is hand embroidered in tones of pink, grey and white with Inuit/Eskimo figures - one on a sleigh with Husky dogs across the lower back, a family with their Igloo on the lower front, a figure hunting with spears on either top front side, a figure hunting with a knife on either middle front side and a figure with a whip on either sleeve.  It is constructed with a hood that is trimmed with off-white fox fur.  It does up the front with a heavy duty vinyl zipper.  There is a pocket at either side.  It has a 65% polyester/35% cotton “Metro” lining.  It should fit a size large, but please rely on the following measurements for fit:

Shoulders:  18” across from shoulder seam to shoulder seam

Sleeves:  24” from shoulder seam

Sleeve Inseam:  18”

Bust:  48” around

Waist:  45” around

Overall length:  36 1/2”, measured flat

Condition: It is in very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear or staining.  Very clean, this looks to have seen little use and has been well kept and stored over the years.

This is a wonderful wool parka - gorgeous purple colour, striking handmade piece!