Circa. 1940s - Worn in the 1960s
A nicely patched second pattern HBT jacket from the late World War 2 era. These jackets were worn by US troops from 1943 until the end of WW2 and throughout the Korean War.
It displays originally applied insignia including a silk gold-on-black jacquard woven US Army branch tape, and Sergeant First Class rank chevrons.
There were three specifications of the 2nd pattern, 45B, 45C, and 45D, each with various design nuances. They were produced in colours OD-8 and later, OD-7, but each exhibited a spectrum of hues depending on the manufacturer - some appearing more greenish and others more brownish. This example is a 45D. The pockets have been removed and modified to make the jacket appear more like a utility shirt - A common modification for post-war use.
Excellent condition with signs of real wear and a subtle fade pattern - All buttons, fittings and fixtures are present. There is some very light sporadic discolouration and staining. There is some shadowing from removed patches as seen.
