Vintage 1920s Motoluxe Teddy Bear Coat Wool Overcoat Sz M

This is a rare piece - an original Motoluxe alpaca wool teddy bear coat in original condition!  The coat has been re-lined at some point in its life so the label is missing, but there is no doubt as to what this is.  Motoluxe marketed the teddy bear coat to early motorists, when warmth was important due to a lack of proper heating in earlier cars.  Although the more expensive cars had heating and after market heaters could be installed, most cars did not have standard heating.  As a disclaimer, because the label isn’t present, I can’t certify this coat as being by Motoluxe, but I think that they were the primary maker of these coats. This teddy bear coat is made in a six button double breasted style plus a loop and button at the neckline to fold up the lapel right lapel for extra warmth.  There is a brass chain at the back neck that aids in hanging the coat and a vertical pocket built into either side.  The sleeves are to the wrist, allowing for the use of gloves.  There is a 12” kick pleat at the bottom back.  I’ve attached a photo of an early advertisement that shows a teddy bear coat that they call an “alpaca dust coat” - please view the last photo. 

Fabric:  Alpaca wool on a cloth base

 Color: Brown

Sizing: No size is indicated on this teddy bear coat - it should fit a medium size, about a size 40, but please rely on the following measurements for fit, keeping in mind that you need more room if you are wearing a jacket underneath:

Shoulders:  19” across shoulder seams

Sleeves:  24”

Sleeve Inseam:  15” 

Chest:  47” around, taken under the arms

Waist:  47” around

Overall length: 45" measured flat at the back from the neck seam to the hemline

Condition:  Amazingly, this teddy bear coat is in very clean condition with no wear, tear, pulls, stains or odours - alpaca is very prone to mothing, so this has been very well stored over the last 100 or so years.  As mentioned, the lining has been changed and you’ll notice in the close-up photo that it overlaps at the kick vent.  Also, there had been a button at the top right, under the lapel, so that if you closed the neck, the button configuration would be symmetrical.  It’s left a small bald spot, but this can be easily remedied by sewing on a matching button.

This is an exceedingly rare teddy bear coat - they are now making a very expensive reproduction teddy bear coat but this is the real thing.  If you’re an antique car enthusiast, this teddy bear coat is a must-have!