Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 10, 2012 19:48:24 GMT -5
Most of the US Infantry impressions you see by our members feature the M41 or occassionaly the M43 (late war) field jacket. Often you'll see the heavy wool overcoat. All appropriate choices. Another possibility that carried through the entire war and was quite common (especially in the European theater) is the Mackinaw Jacket (sometimes called a Jeep Coat). It was extremely popular (especially with officers and ncos). It was warmer than the M41 and came in three main variations. The first variant, often call the 1936 dates to the between wars period and was a heavy cotton twill shell in Khaki green with a wool inner shell. The wool extended to the outer layer of an oval collar which gave it a somewhat distinctive look. It featured a double breasted front and a looped belt which also had a wool inner layer.
The second version was similar to the first but the wool inner liner did not extend to the outer collar which was the same khaki color as the jacket shell. It also featured a belt.
The third variant was slightly different in that it had no belt and the collar had v shaped cuts more like the traditional field jacket. While most Jeep jackets were khaki colored some were made in a darker OD at least with the third variant and after 1943.
Originals were sized quite large to go over layers of clothing so even originals in size 36 and 38s fit much larger sizes (typically four to five extra inches). Decent originals are often sold on ebay for very reasonble money when compared to an M41 or even the M43s which have really jumped in dollars. At the present time there are a half dozen Mackinaws on Ebay under $80.00 (another two or three over $200.00) If you do US I recommend you look at these Mackinaws while they are still available and affordable.
Two years ago M43s were practically be given away and now they have gone way way up. I suspect the same will happen with Mackinaws so get em while they are cheap.
The second version was similar to the first but the wool inner liner did not extend to the outer collar which was the same khaki color as the jacket shell. It also featured a belt.
The third variant was slightly different in that it had no belt and the collar had v shaped cuts more like the traditional field jacket. While most Jeep jackets were khaki colored some were made in a darker OD at least with the third variant and after 1943.
Originals were sized quite large to go over layers of clothing so even originals in size 36 and 38s fit much larger sizes (typically four to five extra inches). Decent originals are often sold on ebay for very reasonble money when compared to an M41 or even the M43s which have really jumped in dollars. At the present time there are a half dozen Mackinaws on Ebay under $80.00 (another two or three over $200.00) If you do US I recommend you look at these Mackinaws while they are still available and affordable.
Two years ago M43s were practically be given away and now they have gone way way up. I suspect the same will happen with Mackinaws so get em while they are cheap.