This is an extremely rare and very nice U.S. Army M-1943 cold weather parka in size Small. This parka is in very good condition. It looks like it was little used in the field. There is a mothing hole in one of the liner's sleeves (pictured) and a stain on the left rear (pictured). It is also missing the waist belt. Nonetheless, for its age, it is in incredible shape!



These parkas were considered top of the line cold weather gear in the 1940's. The shell is made of the standard weatherproof OD cotton/nylon sateen made famous by the field jacket. The liner is made of alpaca with wool sleeves and elastic cuffs. These parkas were not especially common in WWII, but along with the M-1947 variant they were issued in quantity early in the Korean War to deal with the brutal winters there. They were superseded by the famous M-1951 "Fishtail" parkas.



The Army versions were different from the Marine Corps variant frequently seen at the Chosin Reservoir. The Army variant is shorter and intended to go about 3/4 of the way down the wearer's thigh. The USMC parka had adjustable button waist tabs, whereas the Army's version was meant to be worn with a belt. Lastly, due to its length, the USMC parka had buttons along the side hem so that the wearer could pull the "skirt" up and out of the way of his legs.



Due to the supply shortages early in the Korean War, the Marines were often issued equivalent items and they were also issued these Army versions. It was said that many Marines preferred the Army version because it was shorter. This parka seems a bit unique in that there are no Army quartermaster tags or stamps - only the size tags. Likewise, the zipper is a lighter weight version made out of brass rather than the standard heavy steel zipper.



This is a critical item for the Korean War era collector!



Measurements:



Sleeve (Shoulder to Cuff): 25"

Chest (Armpit to Armpit): 23"



*** Keep in mind that these are exterior measurements only. These parkas are sized large to fit over multiple layers of winter clothing, and these measurements do not reflect the interior space of the parka with the liner attached. Likewise, keep in mind that this parka is VERY heavy to ship, weighing in at 7 pounds. ***