Practical alternative to M-1941?

[pipvh]

I've been wanting an M-1941 as an everyday wearer but the lack of pockets, particularly an inside one, has stopped me from going for it. What has the late 30s ambience of the M-1941 but with pockets etc more conducive to a man on the go? I'm sure that, if such a thing ever existed, it is being replicated in Japan right now for vertigo-inducing sums of money... The Pike Bros N1 has been tweaked a bit and perhaps the same thing has been done for the M-1941 while still allowing it to retain some credibility?

 

[Fletch]

I find the M41's unsecured slash pockets awkward for anything but my hands. The original design had button flaps over the pockets, which is a little more practical.

As to a similar jacket, how about a naval M-421? Patch flap pockets, inner snap pocket and a biswing beltback. But you have to like tan, or be a dab hand with the dye pot.

 

[GHQ1]

Or sew pockets to the outside of the M-41. With no internal pockets it's pretty easy to punch through the front with whatever type you wish. Angled M-42 type, leather A-2 type, tanker patch type. Credible vintage options are endless.

 

[pauleway]

I find the M41's unsecured slash pockets awkward for anything but my hands. The original design had button flaps over the pockets, which is a little more practical.

As to a similar jacket, how about a naval M-421? Patch flap pockets, inner snap pocket and a biswing beltback. But you have to like tan, or be a dab hand with the dye pot.

I really like the M-421, just wish it had some kind of lining to give a little more warmth/sustance!

 

[karhu21]

You could always check out the Tanker Jacket which was it seems, more popular than the M1941.

 

[Sloan1874]

Reasonably priced tanker jacket here... :eeek:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WWII-US-Surgeon-Major-John-K-Lattimer-Green-Tankers-Jacket-/150996705619

 

[majormajor]

Reasonably priced tanker jacket here... :eeek:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WWII-US-Surgeon-Major-John-K-Lattimer-Green-Tankers-Jacket-/150996705619

Ooh! Tempting:eeek:

 

[pauleway]

Reasonably priced tanker jacket here... :eeek:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WWII-US-Surgeon-Major-John-K-Lattimer-Green-Tankers-Jacket-/150996705619

I wouldn't want that if you gave it to me for free!

 

[Jeff M]

Reasonably priced tanker jacket here... :eeek:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WWII-US-Surgeon-Major-John-K-Lattimer-Green-Tankers-Jacket-/150996705619

One of a kind. Must have been custom made for the Major.
Quilted lining rather than wool.
Dark green rather than khaki.
Zipper stops at bottom of the small knit collar ..smaller than on your "standard" Tanker jacket.
And in absolute mint condition too! Patches and jacket look BRAND NEW!!!!. Such a deal.

 

[pipvh]

Yes, well, chaps.... The major's bargain tanker, though incredibly tempting and an absolute bargain, might not be exactly what I'm looking for.

Who makes a decent M-421 these days? There's an RRL attempt that looks reasonable but the cotton/nylon puts me off and the fake name tag is tacky: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nwt-Ralph...95?pt=US_CSA_MC_Outerwear&hash=item4855afc303 Then various over-badged Japanese offerings that look great but couldn't really be worn.

Or this one: http://www.tuckshopsundrysupplies.com/store/red-cloud-usn-421n-summer-flight-jacket/ Though I need to find out if the price is in Singapore or US dollars...

edit: Yes, I know that the RRL is an AN6551 copy and not an M-421 but still...

 

[karhu21]

You could try a Finnish firm www.varusteleka.com Great website including a couple of Macaw coats.

 

[Jeff M]

You could try a Finnish firm www.varusteleka.com Great website including a couple of Macaw coats.

Say WHAT??!!

http://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/jna-genocide-field-shirt-used/24570

Not exactly "politically correct" merchandise naming!

 

[Jeff M]

I find the M41's unsecured slash pockets awkward for anything but my hands. The original design had button flaps over the pockets, which is a little more practical.

As to a similar jacket, how about a naval M-421? Patch flap pockets, inner snap pocket and a biswing beltback. But you have to like tan, or be a dab hand with the dye pot.

You see this version of the M-421 from At The Front? Has slash pockets...not sure if you are looking for larger patch pockets or not.

http://www.atthefrontshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=USUJM41

I have one of their Tanker jackets that I'm quite pleased with.

 

[Fletch]

M-421 =/= m1941