Construction of gaberdine mackintoshes
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Construction of gaberdine mackintoshes
Robin
The original school regulation gaberdine mackintoshes from the 1940's to 1970's approx were made from tightly woven wool gaberdine which was then proofed to make it more water repellant. No gaberdine on its own will be waterproof as eventually heavy rain will penetrate. (Which is why many sensible parents made their children wear plastic macks over their gaberdines.) In latter years cheaper options of gaberdine material were used which made them less water repellant and lighter.
Traditionally the gaberdines had an inner lining, mostly in lovely tartan check
colours. Then BETWEEN the outer and inner materials the better gaberdines had
an extra waterproof layer inserted. THIS is the part that was often rubberised
cloth. I'm not sure of the exact composition of this, but it certainly helped
to give the gaberdine a lovely smell and to make it rustle, whereas a gaberdine
without it would not usually rustle.
It took me some time, but about 5 years ago I persuaded Lorraine from Lakeland
Elements to create a reproduction of a genuine school regulation gaberdine
mackintosh for me and some of my friends. Of course this gave me the opportunity
to have it made to measure and to my specifications. I insisted that it had
a FULL interlining of a rustly rubber, including the large schoolgirls hood.
She has found a source in Bury market, Lancs of a very heavy good quality wool gaberdine and some lovely tartan material for the lining.
My most recent gaberdine purchase from her weighs in at a massive 6lbs, whereas my first one from her 'only' weighed 4lbs.
All this made to measure does mean that they are not cheap, but the price is comparable to an 'ordinary' Burberry off the peg in the High Street. That of course does NOT have a rubber interlining, nor all the features we associate with a schoolgirls gaberdine mackintosh.
If anyone needs any further information, please contact me. I'm not the worlds expert on gaberdine mackintoshes, but I know quite a lot from having worn one from the age of 5!
Robin
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