Following the success of the frogskin pattern in WW2, in the early 1950s the US military started to experiment with camouflage as a standard pattern for its uniforms. Not much is known about these early, and largely hand painted patterns, but the two that resulted were known as Vine Leaf or USMC Standard and Cloud or Mitchell Pattern. These two patterns would be printed onto reversible fabric, with one side designed for temperate climates, the other for dry climates. Today, they are collectively referred to as Mitchell Pattern.
There were never actually any Mitchell garments widely issued, only shelter halves and helmet covers, but the pattern did make it onto a few tailor made and commercially available items. This was certainly constructed from shelter halves as you can clearly see the original seams on the chest, across the back, and down the back of the right arm. Likely this would have been made in either Okinawa or one of the many tailors in Vietnam.
The absolute best thing about this garment, and very unusually, it's made not just of Mitchell shelter halves, but also French lizard camo. The pockets are lined, but there are also internal pockets, again likely cut from a French shelter half.
Condition
This is actually in amazing condition. Most of the Mitchell pieces I've come across are battered beyond belief. There are some small holes and marks here and there, but nothing of note. The 60s YKK zip works perfectly.
Size
- No tags, but fits like a perfect size medium/large
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 22"
- Collar to hem 27.5"