As the war came to a close the US was becoming increasingly aware of a new threat in the east , and set about a programme of modernisation to fight what could potentially become a much colder war. In the M48 the Army found a great combination. A heavy windproof shell and interchangeable lining that could be swapped out depending upon temperature. The M48 would find use in the early years of the Korean War, but as the US faced the reality of fighting a larger war in freezing temperatures, it proved too complex and costly to produce.
Whilst the standard issue version of these parka is rare, there are a number of super super hard to find variations, one of which is this incredible Japanese made white silk & pile liner. This example was made by Daichi KK, with a contract date of June 30 1952, and a pattern date of Aug 7 1952. An incredibly hard to find piece that belongs in a serious collection or clothing archive.
Condition
The shell is in amazing shape, with only a couple of tiny knicks and repairs. The liner, particularly the silk is a touch rough, there are some stains from storage, and a few areas where silk as worn through or the seams have popped. Given the extreme rarity of this item, and it's delicate nature, I would not recommend this for regular wear.
Size
- This is tagged a size medium
- It'll fit anything from a medium through to an extra-large depending upon desired fit
- Pit to pit 29"
- Shoulder to shoulder 22"
- Shoulder to cuff 26"
- Collar to hem 41"