The fishtail parka was first used by the United States Army in 1950 during the Korean War. Designed primarily for infantry, they were oversized as they were designed to be worn over battle dress and other layers. The 4 main styles: the EX-48, M-48, M-51 and the M-65. The M stands for military and the number for the year it was standardised. The name fishtail comes from the fish tail extension at the back designed to be tied around the soldier's legs for extra insulation and could also be folded up and popper secured.
This is a vintage US Army M-65 Extreme Cold Weather Parka complete with detachable quilted liner and snorkel hood and a heavy duty brass front zipper. The labels dates the parka shell and liner to 1974 (Vietnam Era) and the hood is dated 1977. Made in the USA.
Used and in very good vintage condition with general signs of wear and a washed worn look. There are some scuff marks to the left (as worn) lower side seam area with some tiny holes. Steamed and ready for a new owner.
All my vintage listings unless otherwise stated are true vintage and have been worn before, therefore they will typically show signs of wear, which is all part of the vintage look and appeal.
COLOUR: Olive Green
SIZE: Medium with a 56in full external chest measurement this is very oversized and could easily fit size L or bigger - depending how loose you like to wear (please see below for all key measurements to check against a similar garment of your own to ensure a good fit).
FABRIC: Outershell: 80% Cotton 20% Nylon; Liner: 100% Nylon Quilted; Hood: Cotton Shell with Wool Lining and Faux Fur Trim
DETAILS:
- Heavy duty brass front zipper with fabric puller
- Popper front storm flap
- Fishtail rear hem
- Waist and hem drawcords
- Button part elasticated cuffs
- 2 lower popper flap entry hand warmer pockets
- Button detachable liner
- Button detachable faux fur trim hood
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SIZE: Please DO NOT solely rely on the listed size for your correct fit. Designers often use different measurements for sizes depending on the overall look they desire, so sizes can not only vary brand to brand but also within the same brand. Also, for vintage and pre-worn items the shape may have changed after years of being worn. The best way to ensure your correct fit is to compare the measurements listed to a similar item that fits you well.
EXTERNAL MEASUREMENTS: Please check against a similar garment of your own that fits you well, measuring flat and fully zipped or buttoned up (if applicable) on a flat surface:
A - CHEST - armpit to armpit (double for full chest): 28in (71cm)
B - SLEEVE - shoulder seam to cuff end: 25in (63.5cm)
C - SHOULDER - distance between shoulder seams straight across at the back: 24in (61cm)
D - LENGTH - at the centre back from the base of the collar to the hem: 40in (101.5cm)
MIL775 A1T2
