F.O.B. by FORECASTER LADIES VINTAGE WOOL BLEND OVERCOAT

F.O.B. by FORECASTER TAILORING Shoulders 18" Armpits 21" Sleeve Length 23" Jacket Length 32 Vintage 70s F.O.B By forecaster Union Label Forecaster of Boston (which closed in 2001, citing flaccid sales) is now mainly remembered for its women's coats. That's a pity.... as the company's earlier history was far more interesting. And involved whale penises. Despite its name, Forecaster of Boston was originally founded in New Beford, Mass., one of the great whaling ports of the C19th. Whaling was big business--in every sense--and the thrifty New Englanders made use of every part of the animal. Including its foreskin. Known for producing large expanses of especially supple leather whale foreskins were used for high-quality leather outerwear. As well as being supple they had a quality that made them invaluable in the wet coastal climate of New England. To aid in procreation whale's foreskins--which were retracted into the animal's body when not mating--stiffened when exposed to moisture. This quality was retained even after tanning--and meant that coats made from whale foreskin would become stiff and completely waterproof in inclement weather, but soft and pliable otherwise. This truly was a miracle leather--and Enoch Nemes, the founder of Forecaster of Boston, put it to good use. Punning on the source of the leather and the need to forecast weather for whaling expeditions, "Forecaster of Boston" became the premier supplier of whale foreskin coats to the WASPC19th New England.