Original Item. Only One Available. This is a good service-worn example of the classic U.S. WWII M-1941 Field Jacket, one of the most recognizable outer garments worn by American soldiers during the early and middle years of the war. Constructed with a light olive drab cotton shell and wool lining, this example retains its working CONMAR zipper, complete buttons, and an interior size tag marked 38R. It shows moderate wear and oxidation staining from age and use, while the original contract or depot label is no longer present.

The M-1941 Field Jacket developed from prewar U.S. Army experiments with a lighter, more practical field garment to replace reliance on the heavier wool service coat during active operations. Sometimes referred to by collectors as the Parsons Jacket, the jacket was constructed from lightweight olive drab cotton poplin with a wool or wool-blend lining. The exterior was produced in the lighter olive drab shade commonly associated with OD No. 3, giving surviving examples the familiar light olive, tan-green, or faded khaki appearance. By the time the United States entered WWII, this general style had become one of the principal field jackets worn by Army personnel.

This example is offered in fair service-worn condition with an intact but worn wool liner, all buttons and some moderate oxidation staining across the exterior canvas. There is a tag under the collar, for Size 38R. The zipper is present, marked CONMAR, and is working. There is no depot or contract tag.

The interior wool lining remains present and substantially complete, although it shows considerable wear from age and use. No original Quartermaster contract or depot label is now present, so the exact manufacturer, contract number, and production date cannot be determined from the surviving markings.

The M-1941 was a practical and lightweight garment, but wartime experience exposed several limitations. Its thin cotton outer shell provided relatively little protection against prolonged rain, wind, and severe cold, while the lightweight lining offered only moderate insulation. U.S. Army studies and field experience ultimately contributed to the development of the more versatile M-1943 uniform system. The M-1943 field jacket was designed as a roomier outer garment that could be combined with additional layers and was intended to replace the earlier limited-standard field jacket.

The transition was gradual rather than immediate. Older field jackets remained in Army stocks and continued to appear in service even after M-1943 clothing entered widespread distribution. As a result, the M-1941 is visible in photographs from numerous theaters and in the hands of many different types of Army personnel throughout a substantial portion of WWII.

This example is a good representative service-worn M-1941 Field Jacket, retaining its 38R size marking, functional CONMAR zipper, complete buttons, and original wool lining. The moderate exterior oxidation staining, worn interior, and missing contract label clearly reflect its age and use, while the surviving closure hardware and size tag preserve the principal identifying details of the garment.

Approximate Measurements
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 23"
Shoulder to shoulder: 17.5"
Chest width: 22"
Waist: 20"
Hip: 22"
Front length: 27"