Review: Duffle Coat from John Partridge Co.

I purchased this coat at the same time that I purchased the Brown Tweed Lowland shooter jacket from John Partridge Co., and have to say I'm just as impressed.  Everything about this coat is an absolute home-run.  Starting with the very soft heavy dark Camel wool the has been double faced with a nice beige tartan on the inside which functions as a lining and provides incredible warmth to the genuine Horn tip toggles buttons (which I prefer to the wooden dowel toggles), the large flap patch pockets and the pancake hood, this coat is the genuine expression of the classic made famous by General Montgomery back in WWII.  Originally commisioned by the British Royal Navy, and also often used by crew members of merchant marine ships, which traveled in convoy for protection, they have also become know as 'Convoy Coats' You can find a really great history of the Duffle Coat on the Gentleman's Gazette and on the Grey Fox Blog.

The Duffle or 'Convoy' coat was also featured extensively in Hollywood movies, which only added to their civilian appeal, what man wouldn't want a little of the manly air of a Trevor Howard, David Niven or Gregory Peck:

Trevor Howard in spy thriller 'The Third Man'

Gregory Peck and David Niven in war time epic 'Guns of the Navarone'

A bit of the thunder has unfortunately been stolen from this post due to the fact that these coats are sold out on the John Partridge Co. website, their ladies version is still available.  I purchased the XXL version because I wanted to be able to layer mine over a thick sweater and I was pleasantly surprised that this fit was about ideal for this purpose.

It's plenty warm even when worn open, but when the wind kicks up and the snow really starts to fall, the overlapping front, easy operation horn toggles (don't need to remove your glove to operate) and close-fitting hood with extra neck latch, is when this coat really comes into its own.  The connection points for the toggles are triple reinforced proving this coat is built to last and ready to be pressed into war service should ever the need arise.

Cozy warm double-sided wool with one large internal pocket and triple reinforcements for the toggle connection points:

There is plenty of winter left so it's too bad that the men's versions are all sold out on the John Partridge Co. website, of course, you can always shop very similar coats at Gloverall (at 2 times the price) and on the 'Original Duffle Coat' website.  Or just wait for John Partridge to re-stock next fall.

Love the genuine steer horn toggles - much looker than the wooden versions:

Hood includes internal tabs to tighten against the nastiest of weather:

Just Arrived - John Partridge Shooter Jacket

(Click on any photo to enlarge)

Hello Tweed lovers!  This my first product review of what I hope to be many to come. I was very excited to receive 2 coats from the good people of John Partridge Co. Ltd. this past week and the need to review these was the final catalyst for my starting this blog!!  You may be saying to yourself  'This must be some jacket to have kicked me out of my lethargy' and you would be entirely correct.  This jacket is a real beauty and the build quality is top notch, base upon my consistent wear over the past several days of inclement Bavarian Winter weather - this coat is definitely what I would describe as built for the long haul.

Based in Staffordshire, England, John Partridge Co. Ltd. has been in business for a fair long while making great outdoor (what the Brits call 'Country Clothing) wear.  This item is what is technically called their 'Mens Shooting Jacket -Lowland -Hybrid - Brown', which I think is straightforward enough, but hardly gives this beautiful Tweed shooter it's just due.  The Tweed is a wonderfully English milled 'Glen check' brown tweed wool with just a bit of polyester added for extra durability (this jacket is also offered in 3 other Tweeds and cotton as well).  Having a taped waterproof breathable membrane between the outer and the lining will guarantee I'll stay dry no matter what mother nature decides to throw my way.

Big bellows pockets to hold your shotgun shells (or my mobile phone;-)

The pock flaps can even be held open with a snap tab to help with those fast re-loads

Weatherproof inner cuff

As a classic English shooter jacket, it comes loaded with all the great features that anyone would want for a day on the hunt including:

• Action back - for better range of motion through the shoulders
• Two-way front zip- better for driving
• Two-way storm flaps- to keep out horizontal rain
• Half adjusters across the back-keeps me looking slim
• Two outside pockets with matte brass studs
• Two hand warmers
• Stand up collar lined with faux suede
• Knitted inner cuff

If even comes with a Partridge 'on the wing' pin for inspiration:

Side tabs offer a bit more tailored look

'Action back' pleats for better range of movement 

All in all, I'm looking to be very cozy warm this Winter and for many, many Winters to come.   I couldn't be more chuffed with the jacket.  I think this is my first product review,  I've hit the jackpot!

PS: the Close-ups:
I have taken to presenting photo studies of the tweed I feature here on The Landless Gentry for my own enjoyment and for that of my tweed obsessed brethren.  Please also notice the beautifully finish 'John Partridge Co. snaps heads used throughout this jacket - another sure sign of quality because it speaks to the level of detail and thought that goes into every John Partridge product: