Now this is something that you don't see everyday, and I'm sure for many of you this will be the first time you've ever seen this rare piece. I actually don't know much about these, but it appears to have been made as a test piece sometime in the mid-60s. It certainly shares some features with the 2nd pattern jungle jacket - it has the covered button pockets and retains the epaulettes. But also has a belt very similar to that of a jump jacket, tying around the midrift and attached to the rear belt loop. Beyond that it's made of thicker cotton sateen, not the common cotton poplin or ripstop of the usual jungle jackets. A seriously mysterious piece, and one for true collectors.
It has been issued to Capt Thomas Houf, a well known officer who served in the 50s & 60s in various Airborne units including the 101st, the 173rd, the 1st Air Cav, and by the looks of the shadow on the shoulder of this, the 82nd.
Condition
This is seemingly unused and deadstock. A patch has been removed from the shoulder, but there are no other signs of use.
Size
- Tagged a size 38
- Fits a modern medium
- Pit to pit 21"
- Shoulder to shoulder 18"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 30"