The numbers 22 50 3A stamped inside this Swiss military wool coat break down into the exact year of production, the standardized European chest size, and the specific body shape/height index:
1. Production Year: 22
- This indicates the coat was manufactured in 1922.
- Historical Context: Given the 1922 date, you possess an authentic, highly collectible early vintage Swiss Army uniform coat—likely an Ordonnanz 1898/14 or Ordonnanz 1914/22 model, rather than the more common post-WWII models.
2. Base Size: 50
- This represents the standard European Men’s Size 50 chest measurement.
- Fit Mapping: A European 50 typically aligns with a US Men's Size 40 (Medium to Large). It is tailored to fit a person with a chest circumference of roughly 100 cm (39.3 inches).
3. Body Type & Height Profile: 3A
The Swiss military utilized a highly structured combination of numbers and letters to ensure uniforms fit soldiers of varying heights and builds without custom tailoring.
- The "3" (Height): In the early Swiss system, the digit represents the height tier. A "3" denotes a tall stature framework (typically tailored for individuals roughly 176 cm to 182 cm, or 5'9" to 6'0").
- The "A" (Build): The letter represents the torso-to-shoulder proportion. "A" indicates a standard, athletic or regular lean build. (Later systems shifted to double letters like "BB" for stocky builds, but early eras kept it simple).
Summary of Your Coat
Your coat is a 1922 production piece made to fit a tall, regular-built soldier with a medium-to-large chest size.
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