Following the success of the frogskin pattern in WW2, in the early 1950s the US military started to experiment with camouflage as a standard pattern for its uniforms. Not much is know about these early, and largely hand painted patterns, but the two patterns that resulted were known as Vine Leaf or USMC Standard and Cloud or Mitchell Pattern. These two patterns would be printed onto reversible fabric, with one side designed for temperate climates, the other for dry climates. Today, they are collectively referred to as Mitchell Pattern.
There were never actually any Mitchell garments widely issued, only shelter halves and helmet covers, but the pattern did make it onto a few tailor made and commercially available items. This is one of the latter, a late 60s/early 70s Ranger brand hunting jacket. The rumour is that a few of these did make it over to South East Asia, and if anyone has any pictures of that, I'd love to see!
Condition:
This is deadstock and appears unworn. There are two tiny pin-prick holes in the back, it looks like a pin badge was put through at some point, but otherwise this is flawless. Beautiful talon zipper, and strong colours on both sides. Items made of this pattern are always wrecked, so it's genuinely a rare chance to get something quite this clean!
Size:
- Tagged a size medium
- Fits a modern size med/lrg
- Pit to pit 25"
- Collar to cuff 28" (raglan sleeve)
- Collar to hem 29"