Vintage US Army M-1951 Fishtail Parka Shell M51 Military Coat Large Green 50s

  

Army M-1951 fishtail parka, one of the most recognizable pieces of mid-century military outerwear. Introduced during the Korean War era, the M-51 replaced the earlier M-48 parka and became widely known for its functional design, durable construction, and distinctive fishtail rear hem that allowed soldiers to tie the coat around their legs for additional protection in cold environments. This example retains the integrated hood and original removable liner, with interior buttons still present for proper attachment. The liner remains in excellent condition with strong structure and insulation, providing warmth while the outer shell functions as a wind-resistant protective layer. The parka features heavy military-grade construction along with a TALON zipper, consistent with early production examples.

Over time the M-51 parka moved beyond military use and became an iconic garment in civilian culture. In the 1960s, members of the British Mod subculture adopted surplus fishtail parkas to protect their tailored clothing while riding scooters.

That cultural crossover helped cement the M-51 as one of the most recognizable military garments ever produced. This example shows honest vintage wear, including scattered pinholes and minor areas of fraying typical of original surplus pieces. The hardware remains functional and the overall structure remains strong, making it an excellent wearable example of a classic military coat.

Model: US Army M-1951 Fishtail Parka. Interior buttons for detachable liner. Sleeve (mid collar to cuff): 33.25.

Fits approximately Large / Oversized military fit. Scattered small pinholes on exterior shell. Minor fraying in a few areas. Normal wear consistent with vintage military use. Hardware and zipper function properly.

Liner remains very clean and well preserved. Structurally strong and fully wearable. The M-1951 fishtail parka is considered one of the most influential pieces of U. Produced during the Korean War period, the design was engineered for extreme weather conditions and layered insulation systems. Surplus examples became widely popular in civilian culture during the 1960s when British Mods adopted them as practical overcoats while riding scooters.

That cultural crossover transformed the M-51 into a staple garment within both military collecting and vintage fashion communities.