Original Items: Only one available. As published in Volume 5, page 213 of the U.S. Navy Uniforms in World War II Series by Jeff Warner.  A Sou'wester is a traditional form of collapsible oilskin rain hat that is longer in the back than the front to protect the neck fully. A “gutter” front brim is sometimes featured. For some measure of protection, sailors and fishermen in the 19th and early 20th centuries wore oiled clothes, the precursors to today's waterproof foul weather and deck gear.
 
This 7 ¼ size Sou’wester is of an OD rubberized canvas construction with gray cotton lining, black corduroy ear covers and brown twill tie strap. Navy department tag sewn on the lining and can be clearly read, it is as follows:

NAVY DEPARTMENT
Contract NXsy-23587
SIZE 7 ¼
OLIVE DRAB
 
Condition offered is excellent with no tears to the hat, inside or out, the ear flaps are still fully functional as well as the twill tie down straps. All stitching is still intact and shows no signs of wear or coming undone. This is a beautiful example of what sailors wore during foul and inclement weather while serving aboard Naval vessels!
 
Next in this pair is this WWII U.S. Army size small rubberized raincoat which is dated 1942. It is offered in excellent condition with a lot of numbers stamped and written on the inside collar, giving this item a wonderful opportunity to be researched! On the inside left flap is the original manufacturers tag which can be clearly read:
 
Raincoats, Synthetic, Resin
Coated, O.D. Dismounted
SMALL
CHICAGO RUBBER
CLOTHING CO.
Cont. W-669-qm-16756
Dated Mar. 21, 1942
Stock No. 72-R-4054
Q.M.C. Tent Spec.
P.Q.D. No. 71-B
Dated 3/14/42
Phila. Q. M. Depot
27611
Inspector
 
This raincoat is offered in great condition, with only minor staining to the upper back and along the bottom. All buttons are present down the front, inside and on the cuffs. There is no noticeable damage and all stitching is still intact. This is a wonderful example of a moderately worn WWII U.S. Army raincoat is a welcome addition to any WWII collection!
 
Raincoats were the standard U.S. Army rain gear prior to and early in World War II. During the war, the poncho was introduced by the Marines then adopted by the Army as a less expensive alternative to the raincoat.
 
Raincoats were issued to U.S. Army enlisted men as a regular part of their field gear. In 1938 the rubberized fabric raincoat was standardized, replacing the previous oil treated fabric raincoat. This raincoat was replaced after a few years by a new synthetic material raincoat developed in cooperation with Goodrich Co. based on their Koroseal synthetic. After 1942, the synthetic raincoat was supplied during World War II although the fabric raincoat continued to be found in use.
 
The design of the raincoat was a five button, straight front coat with two pockets that opened to the inside so the wearer could reach into clothing pockets while wearing the raincoat. Both regular and raglan sleeve designs were produced.