Parka Mad !!

The Who Tour Quadrophenia Parka

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:02:00 +0000

We are Proud To Launch The Who Tour Quadrophenia Parka...!!..

Having supplied The Who's USA, UK and European Tour with the quadrophenia Parka used on stage and after many requests from customers, we are making the original Who Tour Quadrophenia Parka Available All....
Available in two models, M-51 Classic or M-65 Original you will be receiving exactly the same parka as used and worn on the The Who Quadrophenia Tour...

And at from Only £199, we know you will love this....

Check it out here...:)

Vintage Mods

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:56:00 +0000

Vintage Mods, a set on Flickr.

some great vintage mod pics....

Origin Of The Fishtail Parka More History..

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:33:00 +0000

The US Army are responsible for producing the infamous M-1948 (M48) and M-1951 (M51) fishtail parka’s. The no expense spared parkas were made using the finest materials in order to combat the severe Korean winters. It is no wonder that the British Mod movement adopted these war coats to protect their clothing when riding out.

Parkas were the most appropriate combat clothing in Korea’s frigid winters. Soldiers wore parkas as windproof outer shells when cold weather became too severe for field jacket and liner combinations. Several World War II era parka models were used, but their closed-front designs restricted wear and convenience. The Parka, Field, Cotton, Olive Drab, was long skirted and had a large front pouch pocket with two side openings. This cotton field parka was worn over the Parka, Field, Pile. The pile field parka was a bulky, hair-lined garment that was not windproof and rarely worn by itself as an outer coat. The Parka, Ski, Reversible, Fur Trimmed, was an olive drab outer shell with an inner layer of white for snow camouflage.

After World War II, the Army developed a combat ensemble that provided the flexibility of a coat and better layering under extremely cold conditions. The Parka-Shell, Cotton, Olive Drab, M1948, and Parka-Liner, Pile, M1948, were adopted in 1949 and produced under specification that was approved on 25 July 1950. The parka-shell was made of wind-resistant cotton sateen in Olive Drab shade 7 and featured a snap-and-slide fastener closure, slit front pockets, and a patch pocket on the upper left sleeve for pencils and cigarettes. The hooded parka liner was composed of wool-pile cloth in Olive Drab shade 30A.

The Parka-Shell, M1951 and its companion Parka-Liner, M1951 were adopted 27 June 1951. The parka-shell’s integral cloth hood could attach over the separate fur-trimmed M1951 parka hood or under the helmet. The parka-shell was made of a water-repellent cotton-nylon blend in Olive Green shade 107. The slide-fastening opening, pocket arrangements, and draw-cord design incorporated improved features. The parka-liner, made of 16-ounce mohair frieze, had no hood. The combination was scheduled for every soldier in Troop Categories A, B and C during six months of annual utilization in Korea, but its sporadic appearance very late in the war prevented this.

The M1948 and M1951 parka-shells and parka-liners were not normally interchangeable. There was some latitude, however, because the next larger or the next smaller liner could be fitted with other parka-shell models. Many parka combinations were used, as demonstrated by the fact that the Eighth Army distributed more than 331,000 for its final 1952-53 winter campaign. As of July 1953, available Eighth Army inventory still totalled less than a quarter of the 367,401 M1951 parka-shells and 360,912 M1951 parka-liners required for complete winter distribution.
Fishtail Parka - Clothing Requirements and Supply

U.S. Army clothing and individual military equipment were used to protect and sustain soldiers in the performance of their military duties. This task was complicated by the wide range of climatic, combat, and geographic extremes encountered in Korea. Clothing difficulties were further magnified by battlefield fluctuations and inadequate supply stocks, especially in the first 12 months of the conflict.

Korea is rugged and mountainous, and movement across its ranges and narrow river valleys caused hard wear on clothing and load-bearing equipment. The peninsula’s oceanic extension from 34 to 43 degrees north latitude places it within the cold-wet clothing environment. Drastic temperature changes are caused by seasonal reversals in prevailing winds, and the climate is dominated by frigid but relatively dry winters and hot, moist summers.

The northern Asian-continental winter climate of Korea is intensified by arctic winds driven across Siberia. These winds could strip heat from the body despite multiple layers of cold-climate clothing. Battle situations often forced troops to move or remain stationary (sometimes even pinned down) while fully exposed to subzero weather, causing much frostbite and many other cold-related injuries.

Army clothing also had to meet the demands of the hot summers. At this time, there is either heavy rainfall or oppressive heat accompanied by high humidity. The monsoon spring and autumn transitional periods are marked by highly variable winds and storms. During the spring, dust tempests arrive from the desserts of Mongolia and northern China. From summer through early autumn, an average of five typhoons lash the peninsula with torrential rains.

The sudden communist invasion and the later Chinese intervention caught the United States off guard militarily. The closest depots to Korea were in Japan, but material levels were very limited and winter field garments were scarce worldwide. The Army did not stock sizable amounts of special clothing for extreme cold because military preparations and procurement planning were based primarily on temperate zone operations. The Korean crisis created severe difficulties in textile acquisition and production, resulting in higher costs and delayed deliveries.

Wool shortages quickly developed, and 18 ounce serge jumped from a low of $3.74 a yard in May 1950 to a high of $8.67 by February 1951. Cotton supply problems were partially alleviated by authorizing variations in weave or finish, and by substituting other fabrics for uniform twill, oxford, and sateen. Newer synthetic fibres, such as lightweight rayon twill used in lining caps, coats, and jackets, were also scarce. The lack of rayon acetate delayed contracts for parkas and newer field jackets, while nylon shortages curtailed production of raincoats, ponchos, and parkas.

The mod clothing hit list

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 06:53:00 +0000

FishtailParkas.com Proudly Presents The Mod Clothing Hit List....

With around 200-300 people everyday using our site to search for the best places to buy Mod Clothing, I have wanted for sometime to complile the ultimate Mod Clothing Hit list.

Displaying some of the very best offerings from our friends in the business, I have put together the Mod Clothing Hit List...Every shop, every outlet and only the best. Whether you are looking for Fred Perry T Shirts, Mod Mohair Tonic Suits, Mod Shoes, Retro Mod Clothing, Brutus, Merc, Harrington, you will find it here !! Mod Clothing Galore......

Welcome to Mod Shopping Paradise....:)))...

Mod clolthing, mod shoes, mod suits, mod t shirts, harringtons, mod jeans, loafers, italian shirts, brutus, fred perry, levis, ber sherman, ikon, warrior, merc, baracuta, addidas, dr martens, john smedley, peter worth, and many more mod clothing top brands....

FishtailParkas.com Launches Pretty Green Parkas...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:13:00 +0000

FishtailParkas.com Are Proud To Present Pretty Green.

We are delighted to announce the arrival of Pretty Green Parka’s and Coats for the Autumn / Winter 2012 season. Liam Gallagher’s clothing brand Pretty Green is just getting better and better. We visited their London store and were blown away by their AW12 range. Some of the finishes and trimmings to their garments are simply stunning and no doubt cost quite a bit extra to manufacture.

It's this attention to detail which will set Pretty Green apart and keep the label at the forefront of British street fashion for many years to come. We foresee only a bright future for Pretty Green and that is why we are so pleased and excited to be associated with the label.

Pretty Green Khaki Fishtail Parka

Only £295 With FREE Delivery..

Pretty Green Black Fishtail Parka

Only £295 With FREE Delivery..

Details

- Twill fur hooded fishtail parka with detachable lining
- Tubular drawcord hood with leather toggles
- Two-way front zip closure
- Snap stud closure front placket
- Detachable fur lining around the hood
- Angled hip flap pockets with snap stud closure
- Adjustable cuffs with snap stud closure
- Zipped welt arm pocket
- Detachable stitched camo quilted lining
- Adjustable drawcord waist with leather toggles
- Velcro patch detailing with signature badges
- Signature leather Pretty Green zip puller

Sizing

All of Pretty Greens Fishtail Parka Range are Standard UK Sizing.

Unlike original parkas which are nightmare for sizing. For PG, if you are normally a Small, you order a Small.

Nice and simple :)

Composition:- 100% cotton

Buy Khaki Pretty Green Fishtail Parka

Buy Black Pretty Green Fishtail Parka

Free Delivery Worldwide !!

FishtailParkas.com Launches The Classic M-1951 Model

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 06:48:00 +0000

FishtailParkas.com Launches the M-1951 Classic Model

This a first for fishtailparkas.com. As you all know, we have only ever dealt with 100% Original US Military kit. However, due to massive demand and a desire to offer people an affordable M-1951 we have teamed up with a world leading manufacturer of US Military Clothing to bring you the Classic M-1951.

Using all original materials, cottons, buttons and working from exact original patterns and using an original M-65 liner as well as following the M-65 sizing, this is a truly excellent M-1951 parka which will not be costing you £500 or more...and does not have all the sizing problems and issues of original M-1951's..

Also, we can also offer "womens" and smaller sizing, thank god I hear you say !! :)...
Size guide below...and....please BE SURE to read it before ordering....:)...

So, for all of you who want that classic M-1951 look without the £500+ price tag, we are very proud to offer you, the Classic M-1951....

And on a personal note I will say, as someone who has handled and seen more orginal parka kit that any man alive, this really is a very good M-1951...and for the money, you won't beat it:)

Bottom Line, for only £187 this really is a damn good M-51 !!!! Take a look and see for yourself.

Told Ya :).......pretty damn good or what ?......Keep Looking....

Size	Chest	Length, Collar to end of fishtail	Arm, Shoulder seam to end of cuff
X Small	46" (117cm)	40" (101cm)	25" (63cm)
Small	50" (127cm)	40" (101cm)	25" (63cm)
Medium	56" (142cm)	42" (106cm)	26" (66cm)
Large	58" (147cm)	42" (106cm)	27" (68cm)
Womens Parka	40" (101cm)	40" (101cm)	22" (56cm)

Great Britain
Tracked and Insured Delivery £9.99

European Union
Tracked and Insured Delivery £24.99

WorldWide, USA, AU Etc
Tracked and Insured Delivery £29.99

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 08:34:00 +0000

FishtailParkas.com Is proud to Launch Pretty Green...:)..

Coming soon, we are more than proud to launch Pretty Green Parkas !!

In the coming months we will be pleased to launch the Pretty Green range of parkas, and in my opinion some of the best non original parkas available. We will be offering the bespoke pretty green parka range alongside our usual quality original vintage parkas in the coming months and can honestly say, we can't wait !! :)...

Pretty Green Parka

Official website: www.PrettyGreen.com

Country of Origin: Manchester / London

Founder: Liam Gallagher

Year Founded: 2008

History: Pretty Green Clothing is the upfront, straight talking, classic British clothing range owned, founded and designed by ex Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher. The Pretty Green Clothing team is made up of key industry professionals and this being Liam Gallaghers clothing range it's all subject his final approval. The range includes designs across footwear, denim, knitwear, jackets, trench coats, parkas, t-shirts, hats, scarves and exclusive limited edition pieces.

FishtailParkas.com are Proud to Launch Fab Foot Stools.....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

FishtailParkas.com are Proud to Launch Fab Foot Stools.....

These are all Hand Crafted in England, using the highest quality vinyl materials. These are not "printed", all are professionally cut and tailored designs with hand made bases. All put together exclusively for you by our master upholsterers and, fitted with high quality chrome feet...for that perfect finishing touch.

We use 3 inches of foam on top, and poly padding all round, these measure 17" (46cm) in Diameter and 12" (29cm) High.

Each footstool is fitted with 3 chrome legs. Underneath they are fitted with a plastic floor protector to help prevent scratching to wooden floor surfaces.

We really love these, and we are sure you will too...so go on, at Only £159 put your feet up and enjoy :)

All Fab Footstools are securely packed, wrapped, boxed and sent via tracked & insured delivery wordwide...

Postage Costs

UK £14.99
EU £29.99
WW £39.99

M-1951 and M-1965 Values continue to rise

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:40:00 +0000

Hi All,

As im sure you all know, mod is on the up the world over, with more and more interest in the scene, more and more newcomers and old timers getting back into it. Demand for all things mod is growing too, scooters are fetching crazy money and unsurprisingly parkas are getting rarer and rarer and more and more sought after. With "The Parka" being back on the catwalks for this winter too, demand for original fishtail parkas is at an all time high !! And with original M-65 and M-51 stock getting rarer and rarer, values are rising. Simply, demand is outweighing supply and what happens next is, prices rise. Yes, i,m afraid, our prices are going to have to go up a little too, as you all know, we have worked hard to find these rare items and supply them in the best way at the best price. But with demand rising, stocks diminishing and global prices rising, i'm afraid, we gotta nudge up our prices a little too. The days of picking up old parkas in army stores is long gone !!...However, rest assured, although we have never claimed to be the cheapest we are the best !! and work harder than any others to bring you the best in mod outerwear, wolf hoods, custom sizing and so on...

We thank you all for you loyalty and support.

Womans Parka !!!...Finally perfected and Ready To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Hey All :)..

After nearly 12 months in production, more time, trouble and money than we care to remember, the custom Woman's Parka is now here !!...For a long time, we had wanted to help the thousands of our Lady customers calling us, upset that even the smallest M-65 standard parka will not fit them. And we decided to solve this problem once and for all !!.....Taking 100% Original US Mil Parkas and custom cutting and re-designing them down to the smallest size we could. Including, reducing chest, waist, arms, cuffs and even length !!...We finally got there....a woman's parka and its awesome.

Our aim was to completely reduce the parka in size yet, keep all of its original look and dimensions and create the only 100% genuine US MIL fishtail parka in a women's size.

We are pleased to say, we did just that...and its spot on. The only area we could not improve on was the hood, as you all know, M-65 hoods are always large, and we tried many ways to cut this down however, the time and cost was prohibitive as we also wanted to make this parka affordable and we were already conscious that our Woman's MINI parka is not the cheapest, as the amount of custom work involved in rebuilding an entire parka and liner..is.....extreme.

Our woman's parka measures only 40" in chest, and only 19" in arms and only 36" inch in length and still retains an exact fishtail :)....v clever we know :)...

This woman's parka is available with standard hood at £279 and with real wolf fur hood at £349 and for a fully customized fishtail parka this, we believe, is great value.

If you want to know or see more about our custom made womans fishtail parka, please check it out at

http://www.fishtailparkas.com/womens_fishtail_parka.html

You wont be disappointed :)...

Copyright2012 No part of this article may be copied, transmitted, stored or used in anyway without the express permission of fishtailparkas.com . If you wish to use this article simply contact me.

FishtailParkas.com Launches Summer T Shirt Range...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Mod T Shirts Are Here...:)

As we move into another crazy year, we are pleased to announce our long awaited summer range of some very smart looking Mod T shirts......so far we have 10 great designs with more to be coming online as we go along.....please do take a look and grab yourself a Mod T Shirt for the summer....

Fishtail Parkas Are Pround To Present Our New T Shirt Range

"Brighton Pier"	"British Mod Italian Suit"	"Lazy Sunday Afternoon"


"Steve Marriot"	"I'm A Mod"	"Scooter Life"


"SX Appeal"	"Psychodelic Target"	"The Real Me"


"67 Special"

Choose Delivery

Choose Size

Choose T Shirt Design..

Simply choose your delivery, size and mod t-shirt option from the drop down menu's on the payment button.

Unisex Sizes Available From Small to X Large. See Sizing Guide Below.

All our designs are created and embellished in England

190gms to 200gms 100% Cotton

Mod T-Shirt Sizing Guide - Chest Measurements

Small 40 inch / 102cm

Medium 42 inch / 107cm

Large 44 inch / 112cm

X Large 46 inch / 117cm

Mods, Mod Fashion, Mod Shirts, Mod T Shirts, Brighton Pier, I'm A Mod, Marriot, Mod T Shirts

Fishtailparkas.com Now Have Custom XS M65 Parkas For Sale......

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Finally at last I am pleased to inform you that we now have custom XS M65 fishtail parkas for sale.

Nobody else offers this service!!

Reducing the size of genuine authentic US military fishtail parkas hasn't been straight forward and has took longer than we anticipated. However, we have finally achieved our aims of producing smaller parkas and at the same time, kept all the original buttons, fishtail and shape of the coat.

The measurements for the custom XS M65's are as follows:

Chest - armpit to armpit 22 inches - 44 inch chest (111.76cm)
Length, Collar to end of tail 40 inches (101.6cm)
Arm, Shoulder seam to end of cuff 25 inches (63.5cm)

Recommended For:

Male or Female with a chest measurement of between 36 - 38 inches. These custom XS M65's should fit women size 10 / 12. However please measure your chest by running a tape measure completely around your chest and back. These custom XS M65 fishtail parkas are still long. Ideally, to fit properly you should be at least 5ft 7in (170.18cm) and upwards in height.

These standard custom XS M65's will retail at £199:00

For shorter / smaller people we can get the M65 fishtail parka even further reduced in size. We foresee that the length can / will be a problem for people under 5ft 7inches in height. A fishtail parka can be reduced in length to accommodate this, but the two button studs on the fishtail will be lost. We don't however see this has a major problem as nobody ever buttons up the fishtail in any case. Customers should allow at least 7 to 10 days for their order. Reducing the length isn't easy and is a full days work for a seamstress. Therefore specialised custom order jobs will retail at £249:00

The standard custom XS M65's are available to order online through our website:

http://www.fishtailparkas.com

For further reduction requirements please contact us by using the contact details shown below.

I hope this is clear enough for you to understand, but if anything needs further clarification then please contact us on 0044+(0)845 519 5572 or Mobile: 0044+(0)7531 438330. You can of course email us at: fishtailparkas@aol.com

The Fishtail Parka Team
The World's No. 1 Supplier of US Military Issue Fishtail Parkas!! =

Custom XS M-65 Fishtail Parkas Now Ready To Go....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:40:00 +0000

Finally....The XS issue is solved and solved well....

Fishtailparkas.com decided to tackle the XS issue head on and custom produce from Original Stock the XS and to also go a step further than that, cut them down a little more and actually make them into more realistic smaller sizing. The Original XS was on average only 0.5 to 1 inch smaller accross the chest than the Small...With the original small measuring 25" accross the chest and XS measuring approx 24.5".

Whereas our custom made XS is offering 23.5 accross the chest.....

Hence for all you smaller frame guys and gals...here is what you have been waiting for....

A 100% Genuine Made From Original Stock US MIL Fishtail Parka.. :)..

Perfect fit for womens size 10-12 and average height of 5ft"6 or small mens frame of average height and smaller build of chest size 36-40.

Length wise we are looking at 42" from collar to tail offering a good back of the knee fit for end of tail for anyone over 5ft5," to be on the safe side.

Every parka is custom cut from Orignal US MIL Stock and comes complete with Orignal XS liner and Orignal M-65 Hood available in standard or wolf fur.

Available and online within the next week, these will be retailing for only £139.97 for Custom Standard XS and £199.97 for the same with "fluffy" wolf fur hood :)....

.

Harrington Jackets On Their Way Here

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:15:00 +0000

Finally, they are on their way, due in the next month, fishtailparkas.com will be launching their own brand harringtons, available in all sizes and classic red, navy, beige/tan with more to come !! :)..

We have carefully modelled these on the classic harrington style with double button pronounced collar, raglan sleeve, three yoke points (wavy) back, ribbed cuffs and waistband, YKK zips. Also the jackets are tartan lined with silky nylon sleeve lining for easy ruffle free fitment and a few little touches of our own...

UPDATE>>>they are here......check http://www.fishtailparkas.com/Harringt ons/Harringtons.html

FishtailParkas.com Is Getting Crazy :)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:08:00 +0000

I’ve been really wanting to get some time, sit down and catch up and let everyone know what's going on. However, with the phenomenal growth of this mad business over the past few years, that’s been almost impossible. We have grown year on year since the humble beginnings back in Jan 2004 and today, fishtailparkas.com has grown and changed so much, I have to double take myself. With over 150,000 people a year cruising through our site and with global sales needing warehouses and forklift trucks to keep up, it really is something !!…

We are now in our new premises and getting a whole new set up underway nicely :)..and I will be updating more about our latest news as we go along. Expect great things for 2010 parka people !! :)

For now, I just want to say to the thousands of people I’ve dealt with in these crazy hazy years, THANK YOU!!..you really are the greatest people ever and I have loved every minute of making this whole thing happen. You all rock !! :)

Copyright FishtailParkas.com 2010: No part of this article may be copied, transmitted, stored or used in anyway without the express permission of fishtailparkas.com

FishtailParkas.com Is Expanding

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:16:00 +0000

Hi All....:)...I wanted to take the time to explain the reason behind the shut down and thank everyone for their great support of fishtailparkas.com while we beaver away behind the scenes.

Simply, we have grown so much and so quickly that we were struggling to stay on top of the order volume and over the past 5 years we have worked too damn hard to make sure we get everything right.

As you all know, we love what we do and work our asses off to make sure people get the best deal, best quality and best service.

So, at the very first signs of us struggling to maintain the level of service that has made us the worlds number one the answer was simple. We wont take your money until we are 100% we can handle everything perfectly and make sure everyone gets exactly what they want and on time !!..

So, right now, we are sorting out all the issues that had been hitting us and getting everything behind the scenes sorted so we can re-open and supply both high volume and high service.

Fishtailparkas.com is growing from strength to strength and we thank everyone one of you who has helped make that happen and you can be sure that we will be back in action very soon, doing what we do best :)...

Thank you once again.

Kane

Owner.
www.fishtailparkas.com

The M-1965 US Army Field Jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:29:00 +0000

U.S. Military M-1965 Field Jacket

The M-1965 Field Jacket (or M65 Jacket) was very similar to the evolving line of field jackets that started in World War II with the M-1943 Field Jacket. Through experience in Korea and Vietnam, the design was upgraded with small improvements.

Evolution of the M1965 Field Jacket

In 1950, the very successful World War II M-1943 Field Jacket was replaced by a modified version, the M-1950, nearly identical to the M-1943 but with the addition of inside buttons for a liner. The M-1950 was quickly replaced by the M-1951 Field Jacket, which modified the front closure buttons with a zipper and the pocket closure buttons with metal snaps. The M-51 Field Jacket was the same shell material and same lining materials as the M-1951 Parka.

The M65 or M1965 Field Jacket

In 1965 the Army began upgrading the M-1951 Field Jacket to the latest in the design series, the M-1965 Field Jacket (also known as the M65, M1965, or M-65). As the M-51 parka was replaced with the M-65 parka, the M-51 Field Jacket was replaced with the M-65 Field Jacket. Again, similar materials were used.

Later variations of the jacket were known as "Coat, Cold Weather, Field" with color OG-107 (olive drab) followed by the same jacket with camouflage patterns. The changes were not so much in the basic design as to the details.

The M-1965 Field Jacket is the most broadly adopted military coat ever both in worldwide military application and the public consciousness. The Field Jacket can be seen on our screens, films and music videos the world over. It has been widely copied and is available from many sources both as military surplus and as commercial copies.

Like the M-1943 Field Jacket, the M-1965 jacket still had four large cargo pockets and an internally tied draw string waist, but the wrist closures were provided with velcro (hook and loop) fasteners. The pockets used metal snaps to close. The front fly tab closed with snaps too, over a heavy zipper. A zipper along the back of the collar hides an attached hood that could be pulled out when needed. A storm flap could be closed over the throat with a velcro tab.

Most jackets had an information label sewn into the back at the top, just under the collar.

Photo below shows PFC Glen Zachery with mail bag and a group of other soldiers in M-65 jackets, 19th Army Postal Unit, Yong Son, Korea, 14-15 December 1970.

As with the Parka, A liner for the M-65 field jacket was a separate item of issue. It was made of a nylon quilted outershell (in matching color to the jacket), with 5 oz. polyester fill. When needed, the liner buttoned into the jacket including buttons at the wrist of each sleave.

The label belowt reads "Liner, Cold Weather Coat, Mans" and you can see some of the quilting.

Originally, the M-65 was issued in olive drab color only. Later, desert camo and other patterns were utilized. By the mid-1990s a changeover to camoflauge pattern took place in all services. For years both olive drab and camo could be seen, but by late 1997 most US services were camo only, predominately either the green/brown woodland pattern or the tan/brown desert pattern.

What you find here for sale are all original early issue US MIL Olive Drab Field Jackets all complete with original liners.

M65 Field Hacket in the media.

* Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle in the movie Taxi Driver.

o Trent Reznor in Taxi Driver -influenced music video I’m Afraid of Americans (by David Bowie)

o Ludacris is seen wearing a M-65 field jacket in Taxi Driver -influenced music video “Slap”
* Adam Baldwin as Ricky Linderman in the movie My Bodyguard.
* Scott Patterson as Luke Danes in the series Gilmore Girls.
* Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester in the series Supernatural.
* Paddy Considine as Richard in the movie “Dead Man’s Shoes“.
* Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo in the movie First Blood and as Rocky Balboa in Rock Balboa

* Arnold Schwarzenegger as The Terminator in the movie The Terminator.
* Götz George as Horst Schimanski in the German tv series Tatort.
* Osama Bin Laden is often seen wearing an M-65.
* Ahmad Shah Massod is known to have worn an M-65 field jacket during the Soviet war in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
* Al Pacino as Serpico in the movie Serpico.
* Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir in the series “Freaks and Geeks”.
* Michael A. Goorjian as Heroin Bob in the Film SLC Punk!
* Jason Lee as Earl Hickey in the series My Name is Earl
* Nike Sportswear releases the M-65 as a fashion garment.

Liam Gallagher Sports An M-65 Fishtail Parka At Wembley Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:37:00 +0000

Thursday, 09/07/09 was a long damn day……

The BBC picked me up at 10am to take me down to Hendon for filming for Car Booty…..!!….Yes, someone found a parka in their attic and they wanted me to value it etc…..comical !!

Then they dropped me off in Wembley. Where I waiting around for my bro to finally get down there too as we were off to Oasis. Having taken a complete M-51 with me for the filming I was left wondering around with it…..and in the end decided to keep it on for the concert as it was sure to get cooler…

I soon realised I was the only person out of the 60,000 packed into Wembley wearing a genuine or indeed any kind of Fishtail Parka….

Then, after The Enemy and Kasabian the big moment came….

Oasis are now on stage…….and I was now the second person in Wembley wearing a genuine Fishtail Parka…..

The fact that it was indeed the same parka he bought from us, just kinda made it all even better !! :)….

After a long day, the very toughest months of my life…..it all seems worth it again. Thanks Liam :)

Lambretta Who Parka, Official Review...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:15:00 +0000

Lambretta Clothing Gets Into A Parka...
Copyright fisthailparkas.com 2009

As you all know, Lambretta released their "WHO" parka sometime back now and so many of you have been asking my thoughts on its etc...that I thought its about time I responded...:)

OK, I'm sure most of you will agree, some of you wont and "lambretta" will certainly be sulking but....lets cut the crap, its a piece of shit !!

If it was simply being marketing as a parka i.e. a coat for the cold weather, then yes, its a good parka, warm and relatively well priced. However, its being peddled as actually being as a viable real life mod fishtail parka ???

For one, its made by Lambretta ?.....Now for us, Lambretta once made really nice scooters, then folded and, are now nothing more than a name owned by Scooters India who make 3 wheel scooters for swerving around cows in the ever sophisticated Indian traffic system.

As to why they completely missed the opportunity to seriously cash in on the massive rise in values on vintage Lambretta scooters, by remaking the vintage style with modern parts etc and ignoring all request from serious players to buy all the original presses, designs etc to do exactly that. Then instead selling off the name under licence for a range of "asda" style plastic mod clothing is beyond me entirely !!

Anyways, its happened, a great opportunity has been missed and in the place of gorgeous looking, affordable priced, modern and reliable Lambretta scooters we have........The Lambretta Who Parka...

Which neatly bring my back to the fact it is, in whole, a piece of shit !!

And not because they have stuck "who" on the back, or used copy US MIL patches but because they have done all of that on a cheap shit repro parka......who no self respecting mod would let his dog sleep on.

What you want on your parka, is entirely up to you.....but please....if you want a mod parka...then get the real deal !! US Army Fishtail Only !!

And don't say, you can't them.....because I have been doing them for years..here they are !!..

So in conclusion, if you are thinking of buying a Lambretta Who Parka then I would also suggest buying a 3 wheel Lambretta and sticking lights and mirrors on it, a few crash bars and maybe even a fox tail aerial.

Because you going to get the exact same result......riding round on a plastic contradiction looking like a complete and utter TIT !!

Copyright FishtailParkas.com 2009. No part of this article may be copied, transmitted, stored or used in anyway without the express permission of fishtailparkas.com . If you wish to use this article simply contact me.

Finally, A True Quadrophenia "WHO" Parka !!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:41:00 +0000

As I'm sure all of you know, sometime back Lambretta clothing knocked out a "who parka".

Basically, a khaki green M-65 styled fishtail parka repro with "who" on the back etc....Modelled on The Who’s 1972 Quadrophenia Album cover. (Black and white one)

A lot of you have been asking why I don't stock this Lambretta Who Parka or more importantly, why I don't also do a quadrophenia Who parka ?...

Firstly I don't stock this Lambretta Who Parka simply because I do not stock anything that is not Genuine US Military Issue and the second question:...

Why don't we make one ?

Well we did and WE DO !!;

We first made a "Quadrophenia" tribute p arka around 4-5 years ago.

It was a genuine M-1951 as on the album and styled exactly the same, it sold via private auction within days of being released to a US private bidder to be used in a stateside Quadrophenia production.

And thanks to all of you who have been pestering me over this, you will be pleased to hear...we are making them again :)

The Who Quadrophenia Parka !!

There will be two options...M-65 or M-51 and both custom made to order.....:)

I wanted to create something accessible to all, as I know not everyone can stretch to a custom M-51...so, here it is :)...

The True Quadrophenia Parka.....

A 100% genuine issue M-1965 fishtail parka using all genuine US MIL issue patches, complete with genuine Wolf Fur hood !!!

The Original Who Parka from the Original Specialist…

Only £199

Worldwide delivery available..

<<<ORDER NOW>>> Simply <<<CLICK HERE>>>

Now, compare that to your 3 wheeled lambretta trike with lights and mirrors and tell me what you would rather be riding :)

Copyright FishtailParkas.com 2009: No part of this article may be copied, transmitted, stored or used in anyway without the express permission of fishtailparkas.com

Please Send All Orders, Enquries To The Website

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:38:00 +0000

Hi,

just a real quick post as I have noticed quite a few people posting, orders or questions etc to the blog.....

I dont come on here enough to pick up what your saying in a timely manner, so please give me a call or drop me an email via the contact page :)

Thanks

Kind Regards

Kane

Kane Western
Ownerwww.fishtailparkas.com
M1965 and M1951 genuine US army issue fishtail parkas
0845 226 0425 or mobile 07531 438330

M-65 XS Fishtail Parka Mystery Solved !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Before you consider getting MUGGED by paying 150 EURO plus for a bog standard XS M-65 Parka...

Read This !!

Many of you are looking for XS M-65 Fishtail Parkas under the impression that one:there is some kind of world drought and two: they really are Extra Small !!

Well, let me help you here, Neither Is TRUE !!..

Fact One: An Extra Small..is really not very SMALL !!

The Small M-65 Fishtail Parka measures exactly 25 inches from armpit to armpit, the EXTRA SMALL measures 24.5 inches from armpit to armpit. Hence, 50 inch max chest on the SMALL and 49 Inch max chest on the XS.

The difference between the two being exactly ONE damn inch !! ALL other measurements, length, sleeves etc are EXACTLY the same.

Now, I am making this information known and very clear because I hate seeing people ripped off and sadly.....that’s what is happening at the moment.

The German dealer, is making a big drama out of the fact he has XS M-65, claiming world stock droughts etc etc and charging poor sods unaware of the real sizing of these, a damn fortune for what is basically a SMALL M-65 minus one inch !!

As for this world drought. Its very simple….He has XS because we sold them to him !!

I sold him the XS shells he has right now for the simple reason I give little value to XS as any different from Small for obvious reasons and in shifting a lot of overstock, we shipped off a bundle of our XS's as Smalls.

Unaware, he was then going to attempt some scheme to double profit from them by filling people full of shit.

Now, I have no problems whatsoever with where you buy, what you buy or from whom just pick the choice that is best for you !! Simple :)....

However, don’t get mugged, paying nearly double on something that ain’t worth double !!

If you are of smaller build, then whether you take a Small or Extra Small, there really will be NO difference in how it fits !!

And if you are unsure remember, there is a reason we are the Worlds Number One. There is absolutely nothing anyone out there selling these knows that was not learned from us.

Blue M-1951, The Unicorn Has Been Slain !!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:33:00 +0000

Blue M-1951, The Unicorn Has Been Slain !!
Copyright Fishtailparkas.com 2007

Finally !!......

Caught the bugger and its only taken me 17 years !!.....

I had heard from many quarters the rumours of a Blue M-51. Even spoke with eye witnesses who had seen and purchased one back in the day, saw some fuzzy pics of what was claimed to be one but, up until bank holiday of August this year, never got my grubby mitts on one !!..

It bugged me, it made little sense and all I had to go on was the rumour that they existed at some point. However, my own logic and too many years handling and dealing with this stuff told me the opposite. Why would the US Army produce a Blue M-51 ?...Like anything the army produce, they come in any colour you like as longs as its green. The Navy would have wet weather gear not extreme cold and the USAF were issued the standard olive drab just like the GI's.

Soooo.....could there be a Blue M-51 Fishtail Parka ???

This semi logic coupled with the fact that I have probably seen and handled more M-51's than any man alive, or at least any man alive who did not happen to work in a 1950's US MIL Supplies Depot locked away in a little room labelled PARKAS, told me not !!...

I firmly believed that if I ain't seen one that's because they don't exist or at least if they existed they were not US MIL Issue !!...

Well I was WRONG !! and Thank God, I was RIGHT !!....

On our way back from the Isle of Wight Rally this August just gone, after 4 days of little sleep, loading vans and attempting to fix two very temperamental vintage scooters, we spotted one !

Galloping through the mist without a care in the world, thinking we would not notice, in walked the Blue Unicorn.

First my apologies to the poor guy wearing it, who in the the excitement to literally rip his parka from his back, dissect and photograph (yes photograph and yes we are obsessive) its every stitch, button, label and nuance, we did not even ask his name !!...

So without any further ado; Sorry Mate, and thank you for your patience with two obsessive parka fans !!

With my guilt trip slightly eased now I can say that, after careful deliberation and analysing every aspect of this Blue M-51, confirmed to have been bought in the exact same period all these rumours are coming from. I am mixed with pride and sadness to say: It ain't an M-1951 !!....

None of the markings, cut, material, buttons, stitching, zips, poppers etc are as one would find on a genuine M-51 Fishtail Parka and surely my logic is right in saying, everything would be the same bar the colour ? agree ?...of course you do. US MIL kits follows certain lines such as talon, crown zippers, scovill poppers, double stitching in specific areas, double lining in others. Stuff only someone as parka mad as us would know !!

So for us at least, we will say that there is no US MIL Issue Blue M-1951 Fishtail Parka.

But there is a very rare and interesting little piece of the parka history wondering around in a light shade of blue and if you spot it, say hi to the owner from us and thanks !!...

No part of this article may be copied, transmitted, stored or used in anyway without the express permission of fishtailparkas.com

Fishtailparkas.com
Copyright 2007

The MA-1 Flight Jacket, A Timeless Classic

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 May 2007 14:16:00 +0000

The MA-1 Flight Jacket, The Beginnings of an Icon..

Coming soon to fishtailparkas.com will be a stock of Original 50's-80's Issue MA-1 Flight Jackets.

These are the real deal, not modern day alpha repro shite !!

The MA-1 flight jacket is perhaps the most popular clothing item ever designed for the United States military forces.

It's official name is "Jacket, Flyers, Man's Intermediate Type MA-1" (MIL-J-8279).

Numerous US Military manufacturers have been involved in their production since the early 1950's. MA-1’s were still issued until recently when the CWU45/P Nomex took over as the standard flyers issue jacket.

History of MA-1 Flight Jacket.

The MA-1 jacket was first developed in the late 1940's. A new flight jacket was needed at that time because the emergence of the jet age created new requirements for pilot comfort and safety. Prior to the invention of the jet aircraft, fleece-lined leather jackets were issued to flight personnel.

However, the new jets could fly at much higher altitudes and in much colder temperatures than propeller aircraft. When the heavy, bulky leather jackets became wet from rain or perspiration, the water would freeze at high altitudes, making the jackets cold and uncomfortable.

In addition, new jets were more streamlined in design and their cockpits were cramped. Speedy, unimpeded access to and from the cockpits became even more critical for safety. Rather than the bulky leather jacket, a sleek, more lightweight and warm jacket was needed for this new jet technology.

To meet these needs, a new type of flight jacket was developed. The material selected for the jacket was high quality nylon. Nylon had been discovered prior to World War II, but it was not used in flight clothing until after the war; possibly because the demand for nylon for items, such as parachutes, consumed the available supply during the war.

The initial nylon flight jacket was designed in about 1944. It was called the B-15 flight jacket (MIL-J-6251). The B-15 was similar to the MA-1 except it had a mouton fur collar. After a few years, the B-15 was discontinued and the MA-1 was introduced. The first MA-1 jackets were issued between 1949 and 1950 to the United States Air Force and Navy pilots and flight crews. Small numbers were also issued to Army flight personnel.

MA-1 jackets first appeared outside the U.S. in very small quantities in the mid to late 1950's, probably on the black market and at sales of government surplus in Europe. In the early to mid 1960's, more MA-1 jackets appeared in Europe as manufacturers began to export MA-1 jackets and other military clothing to European Air Forces and commercial customers.

Today, the government orders MA-1 jackets only for the use of ground crew personnel not associated with flight; such as security police, base maintenance and line repair personnel. Pilots and flight crews are currently issued the CWU 45/P jacket. Thus, the orange lined MA-1 has entered a special place in history, where it will remain one of the most popular flight jackets ever produced.

MA-1 Design and Specifications...

The MA-1 has undergone various design modifications during its long history of use, but its classic, highly functional design remains basically the same. The original design was detailed in U.S. Government specification MIL-J-8279. Changes were signaled by adding a new letter of the alphabet to the original military specification number. For example, the MA-1 specifications progressed from the original number, J-8279, to J-8279A, J-8279B, J-8279C, etc. until the most recent number, J-8279F, which was issued in the early 1980's.

The MA-1 as originally designed, was made from high quality nylon outer shell and a nylon lining. In between these nylon layers was a double faced wool material for warmth. After a few years, the wool interlining was replaced by the newly developed polyester fiber fill interlining. The polyester replaced the wool because it made the jacket much lighter and provided superior warmth.

The MA-1 introduced two major design changes from its predecessor, the B-15:The MA-1 discarded the mouton fur collar and substituted a knit collar. This was done because the fur collar interfered with the parachute harness worn by the aviators.In later models (J-8279D, about 1960), the MA-1 jacket was made reversible and added a bright Indian Orange lining. If the airplane crash landed and the pilot escaped, he could reverse the jacket to the orange side for a highly visible signal to rescue personnel.

Other changes have been made to the original MA-1 design over the years, such as:Early models contained a front tab where the pilot could clip his oxygen mask when not in use (8279 + 8279A). After several years, advances in airplane design and pilot helmet oxygen systems made the clip-on arrangement unnecessary, and the front tab was removed.Early models also had sewn loops to hold the wires running from the radio to the pilot's helmet.

When radio improvements made this unnecessary, the sewn loops were removed.The early MA-1 flight jackets were used by the Air Force and had the United States Air Force decal on each sleeve. This was dropped in later MA-1 models when the jacket began to be used by other branches of the military.

The MA-1 and its ancestor, the B-15, were originally produced in two colors; Sage Green and Midnight Blue. Blue was the original color used by the military, but it was soon replaced by the sage green color. During the Korean War period (1950-1953), mixing flight clothing from multiple time periods and colors was not unusual. Presumably, the green was eventually adopted because it blended more easily with the environment should the pilot need camouflage protection on the ground.

The MA-1 was designed as a "intermediate weight" jacket. Its purpose was to keep the pilots and crews in warm temperatures ranging from 14 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to +10 degrees Celsius); with an extended usable range of 0 degrees 60 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to +15 degrees Celsius). Other lighter or heavier jackets were designed for comfort in warmer or colder temperatures.

Technical Details of the MA-1

Each MA-1 is engineered to the highest quality standards. Consistency in construction in all flight jackets ensures that each MA-1 looks identical and meets these strict standards. Important authentic details of the MA-1's include:Each MA-1 jacket requires 57 separate sewing operations. These operations are highly engineered and each has a distinct quality purpose.

The utility pocket, originally called the cigarette pocket, involves 8 sewing operations.The white specification label is stitched in the left pocket. The labels are sewn inside so that they will not show if the jacket is reversed.

When comparing the authentic vintage MA-1’s to other “modern” copies, look for the following special quality details in construction to assure authenticity:

For extra strength - edge stitching on pocket flaps, bar tacks on interior and exterior pockets to prevent tearing, reinforced pocket snaps, double needle lap seams on sleeves, top stitching on the jacket back and cuffs.

Neatly constructed utility pocket with a ¼ inch taper and square corners in the bellows construction, with the precisely positioned pencil point protectors.

The knit at the bottom of the jacket is attached to the shell of the jacket (not sewn to both the shell and the lining during the attachment, because this construction can cause twisting in the waistband), and the knit is stretched uniformly over the bottom width of the coat.

The quilt on the storm flap is constructed using a 3 inch quilt on the points, with a tolerance of only +/- ¼ inch.

The commonly seen Alpha MA-1 “repro”, which is sold to the commercial market, has several deviations from the government specifications. And although alpha has made its best efforts to produce something that looks like the real thing, sadly it falls along way off. For the true connoisseur who wants things as they should be, when seeking a genuine MA-1, accept no substitute.

We only deal in genuine Issue 1950’s-1980’s MA-1 Flight Jackets.

No part of this article may be copied, transmitted, stored or used in anyway without the express permission of fishtailparkas.com

Oasis's Liam Gallagher Get Into An M-1951

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 12:01:00 +0000

Oasis's Liam Gallagher Get Into An M-1951
Copyright fishtailparkas.com

When Liam was looking for the right parka to wear for their new video, guess who he came to.

Yep, you guessed it...:)....fishtailparkas.com

Liam is wearing a genuine and complete m-1951 in their lastest promo video for their up and coming album "stop the clocks".

Ahead of the release of Oasis’ first ever Best Of album ‘Stop The Clocks’ (out on November 20th) and the release of the previously announced ‘collectors’ EP of the same name on NOVEMBER 13th. Oasis have made a brand new promo video to accompany ACQUIESCE, which features on the EP the video has it first has its world wide online premiere on Yahoo Thursday 5th October.

The video was shot on location in London and Japan and features a range of Oasis look-a-likes - its a video not to be missed!!! The video also gets its first UK TV showing today at 11pm on ITV2.

You can see the Acquiesce video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6KPRZ8FdQs

Look out for my parka...:)....and more pics and video when I get it....:)...

Fishtailparkas.com