The second of a pair of rather wild parkas that I believe to be experimental or prototype pieces. Whilst at first very similar to the 1943 Reversible Ski Parka, these are infact a different pattern. Most notably the felled seams the divide both the front and the back into two separate pattern pieces, and a differently shaped pocket on the front with a more rounded corner and and sharper angled top. Along with this is a far more raw, unfinished construction, with details like unfinished fabric edges inside the pocket - on final issued garments their edges are always overlocked to prevent the fabric fraying. Of the two I've had, both were the same chest, but this is shorter than the other. I've only seen a handful of these, all in different fabrics. This one is a byrd cloth drab and white poplin version, and I've seen a great nylon version that belongs to Bob at Vintage Productions. I'm unsure exactly when and why these were made, possibly working test samples for the reversible ski parka, or maybe made postwar to test different fabric variations. The only one I've seen with any names or markings on was named to a Marine serving in the early postwar years so I suspect these were USMC test pieces.
Condition
Used with some clear areas of dirt, but no damage. The fur around the collar is pretty worn down. Some staining and marking throughout.
Size
- No tags of labels of any kind
- Fits like a medium/large
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 22"
- Shoulder to cuff 22"
- Collar to hem 31"