1950s Vintage Cowichan Sweater Mary Maxim Antique Autos 433

This is a Mary Maxim vintage cowichan sweater featuring the “Antique Autos”, pattern number 433.  Mary Maxim was an Ontario, Canada firm that expanded into the United States in 1956.  They were known for their high quality knitting yarns and sweater designs.  The pattern on this vintage cowichan is documented as a Mary Maxim design, although it’s not often seen.  This vintage cowichan sweater is made in a combination grey and white colour with the pattern and detailing in black, yellow and red.  The sweater does up with a metal “Flash” zipper down the front and has a small shawl collar and raglan style sleeves.  It is lined in a type of fleeced cotton and has a small pocket built onto either front side.  The lining is embroidered with the original owner’s name.  These types of vintage cowichan sweaters are generically called Cowichans after a British Columbia native tribe called the Salish who live in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island on whose designs they are based.  They are also referred to as curling sweaters in Canada.

Sizing: No size is indicated on this vintage cowichan sweater and although it should fit a men’s medium, size 38-40, please rely on the following measurements for fit, noting that there is no stretch due to the lining, so all measurements are taken of the lining with the garment turned inside out:

Shoulders:  20” across, lining seam to seam

Sleeves: 25” long from the lining shoulder seam

Sleeve Inseam: 20 1/2” long

Chest: 43” around, taken under the arms

Waist:  40”

Bottom: 38” around, stretches out to 44”

Overall length: 28”, measured flat at the back from the neck seam to the bottom

Condition: This vintage cowichan sweater is in very good condition with the exception of some soiling to the collar - just needs a bit of work to eliminate.  The exterior appears to be very good with no pronounced wear. 

This is a wonderful Mary Maxim vintage cowichan sweater - fun pattern, nice piece of hand knitting!