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D-DAY AMERICAN INFANTRY FIELD JACKET. OFFICIALLY DATED JUNE 6, 1944.
MADE BY ONE OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS TO J.PRESS AFTER THE WAR.
Today (June 6th, 2019) is the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy landings, the beginning of the end of the Second World War.
This Field Jacket was purchased by the US Army on D-Day (June 6th, 1944) from Franklin's Clothes.
That it was made by Franklin's explains the superb tailoring--evident even on a mass-produced wartime utility garment--since Franklin's later became one of the main suppliers to of The Natural Shoulder Ivy League look to J. Press. Given its condition this was clearly never issued, and so is here today, in almost perfect condition, as a piece of sartorial history.
This jacket's main interest lies, of course, in its date of production, which is clear on the interior label. (This also notes that this jacket was produced for the Quartermaster's stores in Philadelphia, together with what it is--"Field Jacket, Wool" --and its military designation numbers.) But, in case you wanted to wear this it is packed with features that would be envy of any high-end piece of "workwear" produced today.
It is, of course, cut from thick, warm, wool--which is obviously olive drab. The tailoring is superb; the two front bellows pockets have the leading interior edge reinforced with cotton duck, and the tabs that secure them have been positioned so that the pocket flaps will lie flat once closed. The jacket has a concealed placket, and closes with oversized buttons designed to be easy to use in the cold; the waistband snaps shut ensuring a trim silhouette and a neat fit. This comes complete with working epaulettes, and tapered, functional cuffs. It is fully lined, and has two interior pockets. It has a fully functional throat latch--which has never been used--and the collar has been cut so that it can be arranged so that it stays up as protection against the wind. It has two side adjusters on the waistband--again, never used--and a single lapped seam down the back.
This is in excellent condition; it is essentially New Old Stock. The sole flaws are two very tiny holes, one on the sleeve and one (pinhole sized) on the back, and some markings in the lining at the shoulder, as shown. The small holes are likely weave flaws in the wool, or minor damage sustained in the QM Office, and were likely there since the jacket was new in 1944.
A jacket with this provenance, and this history, is rare indeed!
Asking just $75, OR OFFER, boxed, shipped, and insured in the USA!
This is tagged a 34R, and measures:
Chest: 20
Sleeve: 23 5/8
Shoulder: 17 3/4
Length: 21 1/4
