Bernhard Altmann was a pioneering Austrian textile manufacturer who revolutionized the knitwear industry by introducing cashmere wool to North America on a mass scale in 1947. Born into a Jewish family, Altmann faced significant hardships during his life, including the looting of his family’s art collection and the confiscation of his business by the Nazis during World War II. Despite these adversities, he managed to rebuild his career and create a lasting legacy in the fashion world. His contributions to the textile industry are not only a testament to his resilience but also a key reason why vintage Bernhard Altmann pieces are highly coveted today.

Altmann’s journey in the textile trade began in Vienna in 1915, where he founded his knitwear manufacturing business in 1919. His company thrived, employing 1,000 people by 1938. However, the Nazi annexation of Austria forced him to flee to London after his brother was taken prisoner. To secure his brother’s release, Altmann was coerced into signing over his successful business to the Nazis. This event marked the beginning of a series of relocations and challenges. In 1938, he started a factory in Liverpool, but had to abandon it a year later due to the U.K. Enemy Alien Act, which indiscriminately targeted nationals of enemy countries, including displaced Austrian Jews.

After relocating to the United States, Altmann’s resilience shone through once more. He initially took a low-paying job but quickly moved to establish a yarn trading company in New York by 1943. His innovative spirit led to the introduction of cashmere to the American market after he discovered the long delivery times from Scottish manufacturers during a trip to Bermuda. By 1951, Altmann’s U.S. company had outperformed its Scottish competitors, cementing his status as a leading figure in the knitwear industry. His post-war success was built on re-establishing his Vienna factory and opening another in Texas, which helped him meet the growing demand for cashmere.

Altmann’s impact on the textile industry continued even after his retirement in 1955. His successor struggled to maintain the business, eventually selling off the U.S. operations to McGregor-Doniger in the 1970s. Today, the Bernhard Altmann trademark is still held by McGregor, producing menswear that retains the luxurious and elegant qualities Altmann was known for. Vintage Bernhard Altmann pieces, especially those from his early years, are sought after for their historical significance and superior craftsmanship. Identifying these vintage treasures often involves examining specific characteristics of the logos and tags used throughout different eras, reflecting the rich heritage and enduring appeal of the Bernhard Altmann brand.

10 Fascinating Facts about the life of Bernhard Altmann

How to tell if Bernhard Altmann is vintage from the logo

Bernhard Altmann is a brand with a rich history known for its luxurious knitwear and elegant designs. Identifying vintage Bernhard Altmann pieces can be challenging but one of the most reliable methods is by examining the logo. The distinctive cursive script and design elements used in the logo over the years provide key insights into the age of the garments. Below, we detail the characteristics of the Bernhard Altmann logo to help you determine if your item is vintage.

Bernhard Altmann logo

• The logo features the name “Bernhard Altmann” in a distinct cursive script.
• The text is elegant and flowing, with unique flourishes on the “B” and “A”.
• The logo is typically enclosed within a rectangular border, often stitched or printed onto the fabric tag.
• The color scheme is usually a high-contrast combination, such as gold or yellow text on a dark background, giving it a luxurious appearance.
• The overall design reflects a mid-20th century aesthetic, indicating a vintage origin.

Bernhard Altmann logo

How to tell if Bernhard Altmann is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Bernhard Altmann tags reflects the brand’s rich history and commitment to quality. From the classic wool and cashmere blends to the exquisite designs tailored by notable designers, these tags offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and periods of fashion trends. Here’s how to identify vintage Bernhard Altmann pieces based on their tags from different eras.

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1950s vintage Bernhard Altmann tags

• Classic designs with clean, serif lettering.
• Often includes phrases like “Made in Austria” or “Shetland Spun in Scotland.”
• Tags are rectangular with a simple, elegant layout.

1950s Bernhard Altmann tags

1960s vintage Bernhard Altmann tags

• Introduction of more detailed descriptors, such as “100% Cashmere.”
• Tags often feature intricate fonts and sometimes logos like crowns.
• Use of bold lettering and sometimes gold or silver thread for added luxury.

1960s Bernhard Altmann tags

1970s vintage Bernhard Altmann tags

• Tags remain rectangular but become slightly larger with more detailed fabric descriptions.
• Often includes information like “Styled by Cyn Lesman” or similar credits.
• Consistent use of serif fonts and occasionally includes logos or emblems.

1970s Bernhard Altmann tags

1980s vintage Bernhard Altmann tags

• Tags feature both company branding and additional product information.
• Introduction of designer collaborations, noted on the tags.
• Tags often have a more modern font style but retain classic elements like logos and quality indicators.

1980s Bernhard Altmann tags