M51 Field Jackets

[103]

Hello all. I have been looking for an M51 Jacket and I have not had much luck. I can do an XL Long, but would prefer a XXL Long and haven't been able to find any in those sizes. Are they even out there or does anyone make repros?

[sdfoster]

I don't know of any repros at present, sorry.
The only thing I can think of is to check eBay. I used to see dozens of M51 jackets in surplus stores about 10 years ago, but now all I am finding are the M65's.

[103]

Thanks. In a discussion on WW2 Reenactors we are talking about turning a 43 into a 51. I realize the lapels are different, but weren't many 43s retrofitted into 50s and then 51s?

[easystreet]

Hey,

What about an M-50 Field Jacket instead ? The M-50s and the older M-43s would have been much more common, at least in first couple years of the war.

The M-50, externally, looks just like the M-43, but they tend to be a more "greenish" OD, than the M-43s "brownish" OD (same color as the M-51s and the long trench coats).

The differences between the M-43 and M-50 were esentially:

1-Color. More green (usually) than the M-43

2-Buttons. Buttons are usually the green or bluish green, instead of the brown buttons used on the M-43s

3-Interior Buttons. This is the quick way for me to tell. The M-50s have buttons on the inside for the later type button-in liners.

4-Markings and Sizing. The tags are different than the M-43s and they changed the sizing from the M-43 style "38R" to "Medium Regular", "Large Long", etc for the M-50s.

Anyway, just a thought. The majority of original M-51 field jackets I find have Viet Nam/Cold War era insignia on them. But I find M-50s and even occaionally M-43s with Korean War era insignia on them. That kind of tells me when each style was used the most, if you see what I mean.

Also, you could probably find a repro M-43 closer to the size you need, and either "modify it" to an M-50 or not.

Rich M

[foxholetom]

M43 jacket and pants is definitely a good option. Also, lately I've been seeing the liners for Korean War stuff a lot on e-bay, not so much of the actual jackets. I've even seen some large sizes like XL. Basically, check e-bay.

[Morgie Morg]

My uncle served with the 187th in Korea and had an M43 jacket; I got it and some other stuff when he passed away. Still has the insignia. I would think that lots of late-WW2 stuff was in use at least midway through the KW.

[foxholetom]

According to sources like Shelby Stanton's book, and the photo research I've been doing, WW2 items were used through to the signing of the Armistice, and into the mid 1950s. Essentially, if it was still serviceable and not explicitly unauthorized, it was still worn. As old uniforms wore out, the new ones replaced them. Examples of this being WW2 HBT shirts with white and black name tapes, and black and gold army tapes (including a few 1st pattern shirts). Replacements would not always have the newer equipment, especially cold weather equipment. Each spring they collected all the parkas, liners, etc, stored them, to issue out the next winter if still serviceable.

[privategrimstead]

my grandfather still remembers the piles of clothing he transported in the back of his 6x6 truck, anything from m-41 jackets, m-43 jackets, socks, boots, liners, trousers and even wool underwear!

[mkmilitaria]

There was an M48 field jacket too. It was the first 43 to have the liner buttons. It's the only difference I see. The M50 is a little greener as stated above. A lot of the cold weather gera was leftover WW2. The M51 field jackets didn't show up in larger numbers until late 52 into 53. As with WW2, the Army still wasn't up to par with extreme cold weather gear. That came as a result of Korea. The Army worked as quickly as possible to remedy the situation, but as always, logistics was a problem.

Fins.

[jonprince]

Dec 30, 2007 11:16:53 GMT -5 @Morgie Morg said:

My uncle served with the 187th in Korea and had an M43 jacket; I got it and some other stuff when he passed away. Still has the insignia. I would think that lots of late-WW2 stuff was in use at least midway through the KW.

If your don't mind would you be happy to put up a description or if possible the odd pic. of his jacket and other items, I'd be very, very greatful.

[ian0263]

Same here. M43s are the only option for some of us over the pond. What a pity a lot of M51s were backdated in the 80's for WWII

[deros]

The m51 is not a significant item in the frontline inventory until post- armistice. the M43/48/50, all of which appear identical at first glance are correct for pre-armistice and are readily available original and repro. My M51 is badged for the late 50's era.