This is a vintage hand knit Mary Maxim cowichan sweater featuring a hunter, a dog and a pheasant, pattern number 432, dating to 1957, and known as The Pheasant Hunt.  Mary Maxim was an Ontario, Canada firm that expanded into the United States in 1956.  They were known for their high quality knitting yarns and cowichan sweater designs.  This cowichan sweater is made in a cream white tone with light tan brown trim and detailing in red and dark brown.  The sweater does up with a metal “Lightning” zipper down the front - Lightning was a Canadian zipper manufacturer and its presence indicates that this was made in Canada. It has a rounded collar, raglan sleeves and there is a pocket at either lower front side.  It is unlined.  These types of cowichan sweaters are generically named after a British Columbia native tribe called the Salish who live in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island on whose designs they are based.  Cowichan sweater are also referred to as curling sweaters in Canada. 

Sizing: No size is indicated on this cowichan sweater, but this is a large size and would fit about a men’s size 42 to 44 - in any case, please rely on the following measurements for fit, noting the length of the sleeve (probably meant for someone with longer arms, but you can turn the cuff) and the stretch of the knit:

Shoulders:  19” across, estimated due to raglan sleeve

Sleeves: 27” long from the estimated shoulder with the cuff unturned, 36 1/2” from the mid-neck to the edge of the cuff - you can turn the cuff to adjust the length

Sleeve Inseam:  19 1/2” long with the cuff unturned

Chest: 46” around, taken under the arms

Bottom: 42” around, unstretched

Hips:  46”

Overall length: 32”, measured flat at the back from the neck seam

Condition: This cowichan sweater is in very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear, soiling or odour.

This is a great looking original 50s Cowichan sweater - attractive pheasant hunt pattern (I like to think that the pheasant got away), nice to find in this large size….original example in a heavier weight wool yarn!