Jacket, Field, OD AKA M41 Field Jacket, M38,
Parsons, ETC
This page was last updated:
June 18, 2013
Select from one of the images
for larger image.
This
is the ubiquitous cool weather garment worn by virtually all US Army enlisted
and officer soldiers in the early to middle period of WWII. The OD Field
Jacket, also known as the M41 Field Jacket by collectors, saw use in
every theater of operation of WWII either as a front line constant wear
garment or as a rear area garrison jacket for lounging. It was
worn by soldiers while guarding the American coastlines when Japan
bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941, as well as soldiers wading ashore
at the Normandy invasion in June 1944. In fact, the general
concept of the OD Field Jacket spanned for years before WWII
undergoing several minor changes in materials and design.
Collectors have attempted to identify the differences by token names
such as M38 Jacket, Parsons jacket, etc, All throughout its use it remained known
officially in the Army as the OD Field Jacket.
The OD Field Jacket was a garment designed, produced, and issued for US
Army soldiers, but US Marines and US Navy Sailors also wore them
whenever supply channels had them available for issuing given the
conditions. This hip length jacket was merely a windbreaker that
offered minimal thermal protection but was good at keeping warm in
slightly cool temperatures. The design of this jacket was made
roomy to allow for layering of thermal undergarments, woolen uniform,
sweater, and scarf, if need be. The front of the jacket closed
both with a brass zipper and buttoned down. Two front slash
pockets are more for warming of the hands on windy days than for any
real storage. The back design of the jacket incorporated a
bi-swing back which allowed for freedom of arm movement. The
photos above depict the standard widely issued model of the OD Field
Jacket which had shoulder epaulettes and side opening hand pockets.
But, before the United States entered WWII the Army first introduced
it's "M38" OD Field Jacket with flaps covering the pocket openings and
included no shoulder epaulettes. WE OFFER YOU BOTH STYLES!
But, be aware that though the pre-WWII M38 model of the OD Field Jacket
did see limited use during US involvement in WWII, this version was
vastly out-numbered by the standard model M41 OD Field Jacket without
pocket flaps and with shoulder epaulettes.
As
stated above the fit of this jacket is very roomy and we follow the
original fit. The arms are
also slightly long. Some of our customers have ordered down one
size so that the jackets may fit more snug if so desired. We proudly produce our Od Field Jackets in-house
with quality and authenticity in mind. We start with high quality 100%
cotton poplin cloth custom dyed to a very popular and proper WWII era shade of O.D #3
and treated with an authentic water repellency as were the original
jackets.
The lining material is 100% wool flannel dyed in authentic shade of O.D.
as used in the real jackets.
We
assemble the garment using color matched OD #3 100% cotton thread. The
buttons we use are a very authentic style solid cast durable
melamine with four holes and well stitched in place. Our zipper is
solid brass and will hold up to the most rigorous conditions.
Collar and upper lapels are interlined for that full bodied look. To
punctuate the quality of this garment we also include a stunning
recreation of the wash-away Quartermaster Inspection label denoting
contract information of original jackets. As stated above we offer
both the standard issue M41 OD Field Jacket design with shoulder
epaulettes and side opening hand pockets, as well as the early model M38
pre-WWII field jacket without epaulettes and including pocket flaps.
There are other minor differences between the two that are not as
significant.
Our
OD Field Jacket would've been used on the beaches of Normandy...they're
that good! This
jacket satisfies some of the most detail-discriminating of enthusiasts. Our
reputation for high quality and historical accuracy is indicative in
this garment. This jacket will stay with you for as long as
you need and serve you faithfully.
Price
TBA.
We are in early production stages of restocking
this item
and reservations are being taken.
Please select qty, size, and which model jacket, pre-WWII or standard.
Need extra buttons or want to replace those on your old field jacket?
Pack of 20 buttons, $5.00
