I recently found one of these so imagine my delight when another came my way! Plus with a standard 1943 parka in the house it's great to compare the two.
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, and buttons on the inside of the sleeve to secure the cuffs of the liner.
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. This does retain the small size tag of a standard 1943 parka, and with the two tone fabrics, I assume the QMC started with the body of a standard 1943 parka to make the upgrades.
And just incase you don't believe me... 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
Mint, and seemingly barely used. Some marks on the reverse but otherwise flawless.
Size
- Tagged a small
- Fits a medium/large
- Pit to pit 28"
- Shoulder to shoulder 21"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 39"