Well this is a new one for me, and I'm assuming for most people - I've seen photos of one other but long buried on a militaria forum! This is a super cool experimental parka was made for a 1947 test of new extreme cold weather equipment called Operation Yukon. This test would eventually result in the M-1948 and the long line of fishtails, but an enhanced version of the M-1943 parka seems to have also been part of the trial. On the face this looks like an M-1943, but look closer... First off a completely different hood, in pattern and closure - a chunky Talon zipper, different construction and the addition of wolverine fur. Then the sleeve, it features the cig pocket, which according to the results of the test were so popular with troops they would become standard on the M-1948. And finally some smaller internal changes like lining to the front pocket. According to the test list this would have likely been paired with both a pile liner and a fibreglass liner to evaluate which provided better insulation. Unfortunately no tag on this one, and by this point I hear the nerdiest of you thinking 'I'm not sure I believe this'... And so I found a photo of one being worn in the 1947 test. Look closely and you'll see the same sleeve pocket, zip closure (note the lack on buttons per the M-1943, and fur around the collar.
Condition
Well used, but solid. This came to me in need of some treatment. I've removed an terrible repair to the shoulder and replaced with something more solid and subtle, replaced some buttons with period correct originals and fixed a handstitched repair to the cuffs.
Size
- No tag
- Fits a medium/large
- Pit to pit 27"
- Shoulder to shoulder 21"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 26"