Genuine US Military issue
Dated 1968 - A second pattern jacket with bellow cuffs and epaulettes. The main chrome zip has, at some point, been replaced with a later brass zip. The chrome zip under the collar remains.
The jacket displays originally applied patches, including an 11th Cavalry regiment SSI on the left shoulder, a 1st Infantry Division SSI on the right shoulder (indicating prior wartime service in Vietnam), a stamped name tape, a Vietnamese-made US Army branch tape, and a cotton US-made Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) patch.
There is evidence of several removed patches under the existing left shoulder SSI, indicating that this jacket was reissued to more than one soldier or was worn throughout a long career by a soldier who served under multiple units. There are outlines of a 2nd Infantry Division patch (likely a former non-combat unit, possibly in Korea), a 1st Infantry Division patch (The unit this individual served under during Vietnam - later swapped to the right shoulder), and an unidentified round patch. The combination of the existing patches and the significant pinching of the fabric underneath guarantees that this jacket is originally patched.
The ultimate field jacket. The M65 was first introduced in 1965 and continued to serve in the US Military until the late 2010s. It features a zip & snap front closure, four large pockets, adjustable cuffs and waist, an internal hood, and buttons to fit a removable liner. Made with a 50/50 nylon/cotton blend wind-resistant sateen shell. Fully lined with a 100% cotton wind-resistant ripstop poplin fabric.
Excellent condition with light signs of real wear and a great fade pattern - All zips, buttons, fittings and fixtures are present. The contract label is present and legible. There is some sporadic discolouration as seen around raised points as seen. Staining on the back as seen.
Labelled size Small Short
Flat garment measurements in inches:
