item details
NamePostal uniform greatcoat
ProductionPost and Telegraph Department; commissioner; 1920s - 1950s; New Zealand
Unknown; manufacturer(s); 1920s - 1950s; New Zealand
Unknown; manufacturer(s); 1920s - 1950s; New Zealand
Classificationcoats, greatcoats, overcoats, uniforms
Materialswool, cotton, satin, plastic, brass, nickel
Techniquesmachine sewing
DimensionsCentre back: 1265mm (height)
Registration NumberGH018177
Credit lineThe New Zealand Post Museum Collection, Gift of New Zealand Post Ltd. 1992
Overview
This postal greatcoat was part of the uniform worn by posties across New Zealand between the 1910s and early 1950s. Made of durable, heavy wool, this greatcoat would have kept posties warm during the colder winter months.
Because this coat has an employee’s name label in one of the pockets, we know that it belonged to an M. J. Armstrong of Taupō.
This greatcoat is one of the earliest examples of New Zealand’s Post and Telegraph Department uniforms in Te Papa’s collections.