Jump to content

71st Infantry M43


NamHelmet
 Share

Recommended Posts

I saw this 71st patched M43 for sale.

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142926181120

 

The 71st was inactived in 1946 after fighting at the end of the war. It was reactivated from 1954 to 1956 for being stationed in Alaska.

 

My questions are: Does the patch look original to the jacket, is the jacket in a field/combat configuration, and how can I tell if it is a WWII M43 vs a 1950's used M3?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi, I'm the seller of this jacket. The jacket itself is an M43 based on the construction, tag style etc. It is the type that would probably have been issued later in WWII given the instruction tag in the collar and darker color of the lining. The pocket tag, which would have contained the actual date of manufacture, is washed out and unreadable. The 71st was also one of the later WWII divisions. There are a few good threads on USMF that help date these jackets if you do a search. IMO the patch and leader stripes are completely original to the jacket. Not the neatest stitching I've ever seen on an original, but far from the worst. I believe it to be a late WWII officer M43.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...