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Found this today at one of the local antique flea markets. Couldn't find a tag on it anywhere at the time of purchase but when I had it home and I was photographing it I found it on the underside of the lining. Got it for $10.00.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../aQ3vAOK-1.jpg
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That's a bargain for $10! That practically still looks as new as the day it was made
So, I'm thinking that's the standard man's issue overcoat? The same one you see guys living in during the Ardennes offensive? 36 Regular, I could probably get that to fit me about right too...
Condition isn't bad but the moths got to it a little. There are no holes in it but there are spots that they were working on it and you can see them if you are looking. From four feet away, it looks great. My wife saw one at an antique store a couple of weeks ago that was really ratty and they wanted $40 for it.
She wanted $15. I offered the $10 and she accepted. When I got home I found a similar one that was 1953 but then noticed it had 3 buttons on the belt. This only has two. I just couldn't find anything definitive on it and was baffled at the lack of a label considering the condition it is in. Found it finally by being persistent. If you look at the 3rd photo, the label is on the left bottom of the inner liner directly below the armpit. About halfway down if you look close you can see the stitching that is the top of the label.
These were the standard issue cold weather coat for US soldiers in WWII. They were gradually replaced starting in 1943 when the field jackets came out but comparing the two, at Bastogne, I would have definitely wanted one of these. When I actually picked it up for the first time it was one of those moments where you have to catch yourself because it's a lot heavier than you expect. Her comment of not wanting to pack it up anymore was fully understood at that point.
In 1939 this type was first issued with brass buttons. I guess the switch to the green plastic ones was in 1942 but the brass buttoned ones were issued throughout the war.
It surprisingly fits me but is too tight for comfort. If I lose about 20-40lbs, I should be good. LOL.
Looks so nice and i think price is fair.
Looks like someone is going on a diet:D
Sometimes the size label is inside the pocket.
Pockets were one of the first places I looked. Nothing there. These pockets are pretty tight. Size is just ink stamped at the collar. You are correct though, I have found the tags inside pockets of other things.