U.S. Field Jackets

[coolhandluke]

Over the past year I've begun to pick up U.S. field jackets in my size whenever I spot them at gun shows, antique shops etc. for a decent price. My goal was to find examples of an M1943, M1950, M1951, and an M1965 in clean, wearable condition. These jackets have become ridiculously expensive on auction and military surplus sites but I was able to pick all of them up, with the exception of the M43, in the $10-$35 range (not including liners). The M65 is honestly the only jacket that I wear regularly, with the M51 seeing a little use too. It may be the warmest coat that I have ever owned with the liner installed.

Here's what I ended up with...

M1943 (post-WWII, dated 1948)





M1950 (dated 1950 with 1950 dated M1950 wool Frieze liner)









M1951 (1964 dated, unissued)





M1965 (1966 dated with 1970 dated liner)





Slant pocket ripstop jungle jacket

 

[Perplexed]

Nice. I remember when I was a kid, the high schoolers on my block would wear these USGI surplus field and jungle jackets, and fatigues, as everyday clothing. No biggie back then. Heck, I'd even wear my dad's field cap now and then even though it was much too big for me

 

[AKguy1985]

I have my grandpas from when he was in the USAF. I'll have to look and see which model it is. He was in during korea so I think its an M43.

 

[coolhandluke]

I have my grandpas from when he was in the USAF. I'll have to look and see which model it is. He was in during korea so I think its an M43.

Nice...if the jacket does not have a zipper (like the M1951) it will likely be an M1950 if it was issued during the KW era. The M1950 is nearly identical to the M1943 only it has buttons on the interior for installation of the wool liner. Since he was USAF and not an infantryman there is probably a chance that it could still be an M1943 since there wouldn't be as much need for the liner. There was also a color change between the M1943 and M1950 and I'm not sure how religiously the field jackets would have been replaced based on color matching the current issued uniforms.

 

[MP43]

Nice collection.

 

[ronny]

I had a 50's model back in the 50's that I wore till it was rags. Great work and hunting jacket.

 

[Coded-Dude]

nice collection indeed. the copy jackets are also pretty pricey.......

http://www.alphaindustries.com/Mens-Field-Coats/Mens-Field-Coats.asp

 

[dennishoddy]

I still have two of my M1965's. The only time they are worn is during Veterans events.

 

[milsurp2.0]

I always wear me m65 while fishing.