Buzz Rickson’s M-51 Parka Olive Drab

The M-1951 Parka or Fishtail Parka was introduced to the US Army during the Korean War in the early 1950’s. Initially developed as a two-part garment with a heavyweight liner that was fully removable, allowing the parka outer shell to be worn on its own.

The M-51 has gained a reputation as the main symbol of counter cool culture and was popularised in England by the Mods to protect their expensive wool suits. The excess of these jackets in Europe during the Cold War in the 60’s & 70’s meant they were cheap to buy and became a staple for many people who shopped in thrift and surplus stores.

The Buzz Rickson’s M-51 Parka is cut from a heavy-duty cotton sateen in Japan, coming in a classic olive drab colour-way. A zip front using a Crown Aluminum Spring Automatic Lock has been paired with two slash pockets w/ snap button closure & lined with 26oz. wool. The cuffs feature a rubber strap adjuster belt to keep out the cold while the snap buttons are used to meet the U. S. Government Department of Defence Specs while the other buttons used are Mil-Spec urea buttons.

100% cotton
Heavy cotton satin
Modelled on M-1951 Fishtail Parka
U.S. Army issue
Zip front w/ crown Aluminum Spring Automatic Lock
Two slash pockets w/snap button closure
Pockets lined with 26. oz heat insulating wool
Rubber strap adjuster in cuffs
Snap meets U.S. Government Department of Defence Spec
Mil Spec urea buttons
Made in Japan

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