Original WW2 US Army M1943 Combat Jacket - Size 36R

Code: 54257

An original WW2 Period United States Army M43 combat jacket in a size 36R.

Officially designated 'Jacket, Field, Combat M-1943', this pattern of jacket was standardised in August 1943. It saw widespread issue with many units throughout the winter of 1944-45 and stayed in issue and production until it was succeeded by the M-1951 Combat Jacket.

The jacket is made from an olive drab coloured sateen fabric which was chosen for its windproof and waterproof qualities. The interior is made from a tightly woven poplin cotton whilst the pockets are lined with a white cotton drill. A drawstring is fitted to the waist whilst the front fastens with buttons. The same style of buttons are used to fasten the cuff. The fly front is also lined with white cotton which is a telltale sign of US made jackets. 

Inside the lower right hand pocket the original label is still present. It is washed out, as they so often are. The size tag fitted at the neck has survived however and reads as 36R. Below this is evidence of where a large label was fitted - as usually encountered on these jackets. 

The jacket is designed to fit a 36" chest but will fit up to a 40" well. When laid flat the jacket measures -

Chest - 22 1/2"
Inside arm - 22"
Outside arm - 23 1/2"
Shoulders - 19 1/2"
Length - 30"

The jacket is in reasonable condition with signs of wear and use. There is some staining and general signs of wear including traces of where patches have been removed from the sleeves. The stitching has come away along the side seam next to the right hand lower pocket which is illustrated in picture 5. A field repair can also be seen in this picture and there is a field repair patch to the rear of the left sleeve (picture 10). The jacket is still wearable and has bags of character, but please take time to study the pictures as there are some flaws. 

A well used original WW2 period combat jacket which would suit a collector or re-enactor well!