Ok, so maybe it's not quite the right time of year for a piece like this, but when you see something super nerdy and wildly rare, you just have to go for it. The M-69 transport coat itself it's too hard to find, but this is the early D spec zipper model. I believe these jackets were first designed for use in airships, with thew first contract for them having been order as NAS Lakehurst, the station most associated with USN airships! By 1941 when this contract was ordered, they were likely in wider circulation with photos of transport aircrew and ship based officers wearing them.
This is a substantial coat, with a goatskin shell and alpaca lining. Rather unusually, especially for a military piece, it has a "false zipper" on the left chest, and whilst it gives the appearance of being able to zip to both sides, it actually can't.
These early pre-war zipper versions and really rare, and a nice addition to any naval collection.
Condition
Good used condition, some wear to leather and lining, but largely great. All zippers etc intact and working great!
Size
- Tagged a 38
- Fits a medium - it fits my 40" chest nicely
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 42"