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US Uniforms Main Page
U.S. M1943
Field Uniform

M1943 Infantry
Uniform Set
M1943 Paratrooper Uniform Set
M1943 Field Jacket
Field
Jacket Liner
M1943 Field Trouser
Rigger Modified Field Trouser
Field Jacket Hoods
FAQ
Last Updated:
March 7, 2010
About Original M1943 Field Uniforms
Page with more details and photos of original M1943 Uniforms
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US Army
M1943 Field Jacket and Trouser |
History: The M1943 Field
Uniform was the result of several years of experimentation and development
by the US Army Quartermaster. It replaced the completely inadequate M1941
Field Jacket (which was more suited to a day on the golf course than combat
in the ETO.) It consisted of a 4 pocket jacket and matching trousers made
from windproof sateen cotton. The uniform was designed as a layered system,
meant to be worn over the wool shirt and trouser and in conjunction
with a wool sweater and liners in colder weather. The uniform was first
issued to elements of the 3rd Infantry Division fighting at Anzio in Italy
in February/ March 1944 for field testing. Despite the high praise the
jacket received from those who wore it, General Omar Bradley considered
it unsightly and inferior to the wool overcoat. Resistance by Bradley
and other commanders in the ETO resulted in the uniform not being issued
until shortages of all field jackets finally forced them to relent in
the Fall of 1944. The supply situation for clothing for troops already
in the ETO was described as "critical" and "very critical"
until the end of January 1945. (Shipments of ammunition, fuel and food
took precedence over clothing). Thus, troops fighting at Aachen, Hurtgen
and the Battle of the Bulge will be seen wearing a mix of M41's, Tankers,
M1943's and wool overcoats. The exceptions to this were the 101st and
82nd Airborne Divisions who were almost entirely re-equipped with the
uniform just prior to operation "Market Garden" and troops in
new units coming from the US. By February 1945, most troops in the ETO
had finally been re-equipped with the new uniforms.
ATF's M1943's:
Although one large surplus corporation uses this same manufacturer for
several garments, our uniforms are unique to ATF in color, pattern, labels
and fabric quality. We used mint, unissued 1943 dated uniforms as samples.
The results were stunning. The quality of these is equal to or better
than any uniform we have manufactured at a price half what one we made
would cost. We could easily remove the origin label, claim to have made
them and no one would have a clue.
Insignia Recommendations for M43 Field Jackets:
In garrison, stateside or training in England, the unit shoulder patch and rank insignia was normally worn.
I have never seen period photos of troops wearing awards on M43 jackets.
Realistically, for combat troops, no insignia is most typical. Yes, I'd make more money encouraging people to cover their field jackets with all sorts of bling, but it's not correct. Yes, by the book, rank and unit patches could (and should have been) on these. However, once the shooting started, big, bright unit insignia was found to be a liability. I can personally attest to the ease with which one can spot a 2nd, 45th, or 101st patch at great distances. From examining period photos and film, a few units seemed to have retained their insignia for one reason or another more so than others. If you're trying to do a truly accurate impression, I recommend that you research your specific unit of interest before deciding.
Insignia Sewing Available: For more details and sewing rates go to the Insignia Sewing page. closeout or original items. For rates on additional sewing, check the sewing service page.
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M1943 Field Uniform
Set
M1943 Field Jacket and Field Trouser
$150.00
Please check the
tables below for size availability.
M1943 Paratrooper
Uniform Set
M1943 Field Jacket and Rigger Modified Field Trouser.
$160.00
Please check the
tables below for size availability.

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Od #3 Lining
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Spec Labels
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Corded flybar
buttonholes
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Instruction
labels
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Storm Flap
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M1943 Field Jacket
Excellent quality reproduction. Cotton sateen shell
with early production olive drab #3 (khaki) poplin lining.
This new generation is a copy of the Feb '44 contract field jackets. These differ from the earliest jackets only in having the instruction label in the neck and the shell is slightly darker in color. The lining is about 30% heavier than previous jackets.
Buttons are now dark o.d. rather than caramel color. So you green-button freaks can stop soiling your panties....
$85.00
Sizing: We have only changed the way these are marked, not the actual sizing. Originals have the chest size marked in inches, rather than letter (M, L, XL) sizes. We have simply converted the letter size back to the corresponding inch size. (Since this has already caused mental anguish for a few people, I've added the "Same as" column to illustrate.)
As these are a combat uniform, like BDU's or ACU's, it has not proven necessary to offer every chest size. So, if you are a size 42R, then order a 44R. The difference in the chest is not going to be detrimental- especially when you're wearing an undershirt and carrying fieldgear.
Field Jacket Hoods, Original: $5.00
Sizing: Like originals, these are
oversized. This jacket was designed to be worn over a
tank-top, a wool shirt, an Ike jacket (or liner) and a
sweater. Simply follow our sizing recommendations on the chart below.
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M1943 Field
Jacket
Availability
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Size |
Same as (Fit range) |
Sleeve* |
Back |
Stock |
36R |
S (33-37R) |
33" |
29" |
In Stock |
40R |
M (38-41R) |
35" |
31.5" |
In Stock |
44R |
L (42-45R) |
36.5" |
33" |
In Stock |
48R |
XL (46-49R) |
37" |
34" |
In Stock |
52R |
XXL (50-52R) |
37" |
34" |
In Stock |
Long Sizes |
40L |
M (38-41L) |
36.5" |
33.5" |
In Stock |
44L |
L (42-45L) |
38" |
35" |
In Stock |
48L |
XL (46-49L) |
39" |
36" |
In Stock |
52L |
XXL (50-52L) |
39" |
36" |
In Stock |
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No
other sizes available
Sizes larger than 52 will never be made again. |
*Measured from the center
of the neck, like a dress shirt.
Field Jacket Liner
Pile lined coat designed to be worn in conjunction with
the M1943 Field Jacket. These liners feature an olive drab
poplin shell, pile lining, button front, slash pockets
and knit cuffs and collar (like a tanker jacket). They are
very much "spot-on" and compare very well to originals.This
liner may be worn as a coat in itself (and often was) or
underneath any other jacket for extra warmth. Sized the
same as the Field Jacket. In other words, if you wear a
"Large" Field Jacket, then order a "Large"
liner. This is why field jackets are so roomy; they were
designed to have these liners worn under them. Ding!
$75.00
Special Question Olympics
The G.I. reenactors always trounce the Germans reenactors
in these events. Why??? Is it because the Wehrmacht had
8,000 variations of uniforms, making the G.I.'s feel left
out? Unable to believe that there wasn't a "special"
variation for every Tom, Dick and Harry? Do you think sending
Gina into orbit turns her on? Where do you freaks come up
with this nonsense?
1. Yes! We copied an O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L WWII liner. Not one
from the 1950's or Desert Storm. These are rather scarce,
but I honestly have a "real" one. So, yes, we
are very f---ing certain these are correct.
2. Yes, there are several variations of US field jacket
liners but most of them came after WWII.
3. This is the only style liner we will make.
4. Yes, the one your Daddy wore during Vietnam (or the one
you wore during your Cheech & Chong days...) may look
different.
5. No! There are no specific liner "models" for
signal corps, tankers, jeep drivers, hookers, or chaplains.
6. Yes. Paratroopers wore the same liner as everyone else.
They weren't special enough to have their own.
Sizing Follies:
For those of you who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder
and can only live if you overcomplicate things as much as
possible, just listen to us and follow our sizing recommendations.
These liners are snug-fitting. There's enough room to wear
a wool shirt underneath, but they are not nearly so loose
as a field jacket. For example, I wear a 44R which is a
"Large" liner. The "Medium" is not
comfortable to wear. It's too tight.
Therefore:
If you down-sized your Field Jacket (as many have done)
to get that "Jordache" effect:
1. You may be S.O.L. as for wearing a liner underneath.
There probably won't be room. You'll look and feel like
an overstuffed pillow.
2. Although down-sizing your jacket may have been a positive
fashion experience, it will not go so well with the liner.
In the immortal words of Buford T. Justice, "don't
do it." Thank you.
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Field Jacket Liner
Availability
No Restock until 2011 |
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Size |
Fit Range |
Stock |
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S |
(33-37R) |
In
Stock |
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M |
(38-41R) |
In
Stock |
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L |
(42-45R) |
Sold Out |
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XL |
(46-49R) |
Sold Out |
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XXL |
(50-52R) |
Sold Out |
Restock expected in September 2010 |
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Front detail. Tabs are
"forward buttoning".
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Fly detail
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Rear detail
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M1943 Field Trousers
Standard field trouser, issued with the M43 Field Jacket as
an integral component of the new uniform system. These are patterned
after the early production trousers, with white twill lining
and plastic buttons as used on the jackets. They are sized directly
from original samples: meaning the waist sizes are slightly
larger (3 inches) than marked as these were designed to be worn
over the wool serge trousers. Order your normal size; if you
try to outsmart us and compensate, they'll be too large. That's
a promise!
Sizes 30-44 $65.00
Sizes 46-48 $75.00
See chart below for size availability.
M1943 Field Trouser
Availability
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Size |
Stock |
30 x 34 |
In Stock |
32 x 34 |
In Stock |
34 x 34 |
In Stock |
36 x 34 |
In Stock |
38 x 34 |
In Stock |
40 x 34 |
In Stock |
42 x 34 |
In Stock |
44 x 34 |
In Stock |
46 x 34 |
In Stock |
48 x 34 |
In Stock |
No
other sizes available
Size 46 & 48 will never be restocked. |
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Rigger-Modified M1943 Field Trousers
Field trousers as modified for Paratrooper use. Heavy O.D.
canvas cargo pockets and leg ties were added to allow more ammunition
to be carried on airborne operations. (Yes, these are identical
to the standard trousers, with the addition of legs ties and
pockets). As with originals, the pocket material is darker and
heavier than that of the trousers.
Order
your normal waist size! Trousers are already
oversized like originals. (About 3 inches larger than marked.)
Sizes 30-44 $75.00
Sizes 46-48 $85.00
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M1943 Paratrooper Trouser
Availability
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Size |
Stock |
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30 x 34 |
In Stock |
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32 x 34 |
In Stock |
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34 x 34 |
In Stock |
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36 x 34 |
In Stock |
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38 x 34 |
In Stock |
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40 x 34 |
In Stock |
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42 x 34 |
In Stock |
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44 x 34 |
In Stock |
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46 x 34 |
Sold Out |
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48 x 34 |
In Stock |
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No
other sizes available
Size 46 & 48 will never be restocked. |
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Original issue hood for the field jacket.
Attaches using the buttons on the epaulets of the jacket. These are
in excellent condition. Most are unissued, some still with shade tags.
The vast majority have '44 or '45 production dates. A handful are
1951 production (but 1944 pattern date), but the only difference
is the tiny date on the label. If this really causes your heart
to race and your hypertension to go crazy, make a note and we can
try to find one with a WWII date. All are size Medium, which will
fit up to our XL jacket, despite what the stamp says. Yes, I tried
them.
$5.00
Weenie Warning: There are several shades among these
hoods. (No, not khaki. All are green but some are darker and some
lighter.) Therefore, it is highly unlikely that they will perfectly
match your field jacket. No, we do not offer "hand picked"
matching hoods. These are original and that's that.
Field
Uniform FAQ
Compare and contrast: How do these
compare to....? I realize that this will be asked
again and again. They
are very close (look, feel, fit) to the original. That's all we
give a crap about anyway. We don't copy repros...
As for how they compare: These
are NOT the same jackets sold by WPG, SM, Sturm, Bayonet or Fred's
Acme Military Mart or anyone else. Ours are the correct weight,
weave, color, pattern, etc, etc.
Paratroopers: What would paratroopers wear?
(WWPW?) Sorry, no specific "Airborne"
model. The only thing different about the uniforms that the paratroopers
wore was the addition of cargo pockets and leg ties to the trousers.
Also, there is no difference between 101st, 82nd, or 17th M1943
Uniforms. (Not that anyone has probably heard of the 82nd or 17th
Airborne Divisions, but just in case...)
506th: Is there an E Company 506th Special
Edition? No. Sorry. Sew on a 101st patch and you've
got it. There's no special modifications for the guys in the 506th.
Band of Brothers: Are these in the film???? These are NOT the same reproductions used in BOB. The ones in
the film were made in Mexico and are actually of less than stellar
quality. With dirt and wear, these will look the same as what
you see in the BOB episodes. The fact that dirt, dust and wear
causes color to change appears to be a major revelation to many
people.
Weight: These are identical in weight
to originals. Several other reproductions have been
much lighter than authentic uniforms. You can put one of ours
on a scale and compare it to the same size original and there
is no difference. A few people on one of the "forums"
have claimed otherwise, but they were either confused as to which
repro they had fondled or had rocks in the pockets of the original
they had examined. You're welcome to come here and use my originals
and my scale.
Waterproof: Are these waterproofed? No. Neither were any originals. Anyone who tells you that is a blithering idiot. G.I.'s were issued raincoats and/or ponchos for rainy weather.
Color: How is the "match quality"? These
uniforms are dead on to originals. However, I realize that there
is something of much more critical importance to the 21st Century
Re-enactor; jacket and trouser match perfection. Although all
jackets and trousers are indeed made from the identical cloth,
it is possible that those of you with color-mass-spectrometers
will be able to detect subtle shade differences. Just like originals
and all other reproductions. Someday, perhaps facts of life and
physics may matter again. But for now, we'll have to keep fighting
the fantasies.
Special Orders: "Tell me the name of
the manufacturer. I want them to make me a custom size." Sure. But the minimum order is 1,000 of any one type of
uniform. Can you sell the other 999 size "62 shorts"?
Yes, we've quite a few of these in stock. It was hell fitting
them into my Mom's basement.
Washing: Can I broil and bleach it to look
like a kombat vet??? Go ahead. But we won't take
it back when you turn it orange. Recommendation #1; don't wash
it. That's the most realistic. If you gotta be clean, recommendation
#2 would be cold wash (hand is best) and hang dry. That should
avoid any shrinkage or other antics. Customer reports on washing
have all been positive. Minimal fade and shrinkage. (Cold wash,
hang dry.)
Fabric Samples? No. We've requested some, but since
we DO NOT manufacture these in our shop, we currently don't have
any. The cloth and color are
very correct.
Buttons: The
WWII Paratrooper Chat Ring says they should be dark forest green! There has been more stroking over
"field jacket button color" than anything else in recent
memory. Originals came in several colors. Cross my heart
and hope to die. WWII field jacket buttons range in color from
dark olive drab, to dark brown, to medium brown, to piss green.
Ours are a brownish olive drab. We copied buttons directly from
an early production (May 1943) field jacket. If your buddy tells
you that they are wrong 'cause they were all green he's an idiot.
There is no one "right" color. There are about 10. Get
over it. |
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430
Rose Ln.
Columbia, KY 42728 |
PHONE:
(270) 384-1965
TOLL FREE: (866) 213-3946
FAX: (270) 384-1443 |
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Copyright
At the Front/CNS, 2002
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