WWII U.S. Armed Forces M43 Field Jacket

U.S. Armed Forces Issue.

Field Jackets manufactured during the Summer and Fall of 1943, specs 370B and 370C, have a slightly closer cut than those made from 1944 to present. As soon as troops began receiving M43's in large numbers (Fall 1943), they complained that the jackets were too tight when wearing the pile liners underneath. So, on Dec. 31, 1943, the QMC revised the patterns, increasing the chest measurements 2" and 1" to the circumference of the upper arms. This was called "Pattern B" and is stamped on the spec labels (or occasionally in the neck) so quartermasters could easily identify them during issue. The change was instituted after all 370B's and a large percentage of the 370C jackets had already been completed and issued. These enlarged sizing proportions were used on all future models of M43/ M50/ M51/ M65 Field Jackets as well as most present day aftermarket coats.

Size:

• Shoulder to shoulder: 19 In
• Armpit to end of cuff: 21 In
• Base of collar to base of jacket: 29 In

Some staining, some fading, small tears in collar from use. Overall good condition.