COMBAT, FIELD M-41 U.S. Army

Description

The U.S. Army M-41 Field Jacket was one of the most distinctive jacket designs of WWII. Along with the M-1 helmet, nothing says “GI” more than an M-41, and is without doubt a true design classic.

Standardised in October 1940 as ‘Jacket, Field, Olive Drab’, the familiar designation of ‘M-41’ was not actually an official one. Indeed the first version of this model is often referred to as an M-38, the most noticeable difference being that it had flaps to the pockets, so these designations came about unofficially quite simply so personnel could differentiate between the two.

Nevertheless, between historians, collectors and enthusiasts alike, M-41 is the enduring term that is used when referring to this jacket model

Modelled after a civilian windbreaker design suggested by Major General James K. Parsons, it was constructed of a pale olive drab shade cotton poplin for the outer shell, with a dark olive drab/khaki blanket wool flannel for the lining. Between the various original manufacturers, subtle shade differences can be observed as different batches of fabric were produced for the various makers, and no two are exactly the same. These vary from a noticeably more Olive hue to ones which are more Khaki. Generally speaking, the warmer khaki shade versions are the preference of collectors today, and it is this hue we have leaned towards in our recreation.

The M-41 went through a number of very subtle spec changes throughout it’s period of issue which is reflected by the spec number on the nomenclature label sewn inside the pocket. Our recreation is that of spec. 20B, dated 17th March 1942.

Manufactured in Japan, exclusively for us, and upon our specifications, the finest materials have been selected and created to bring our customers the definitive offering of this timeless classic.

To recreate the perfect M-41 it is essential that the cotton poplin fabric for the shell is of the correct specification. It needs to be of the correct tight weave that gives the garment that crisp ‘mappy’ feel that is so typical of originals. The same goes for the lining. Accordingly, we had both of the fabrics custom-made, as there is no off-the-shelf material that matches these characteristics close enough.

Along with the correct chocolate coloured urea buttons and authentic (rectangular-pull) M-42 Talon zip (sourced from original parts) our example of the the famous M-41 looks and feels like a dead stock original from the moment you put it on.

From the beaches of Normandy on D-Day to the hills of Italy at Monte Casino, the M-41 was there - It is the quintessential combat jacket of WWII, and with its contemporary design, this classic garment is as practical and stylish today, as it was then.