M1965 Fishtail Parka: Also known as M65 Parka and M-1965 Parka
The M-1965 fishtail parka was developed in 1965 and the M simply stands for Military.
The M Date configuration is almost international in its use amongst military gear and thus most models will be defined by their date. i.e. M-1951 parka would be patented in 1951…
The M-65 parka was the updated version of the original M-51 fishtail parka which was itself the final conclusion of the M-1948 fishtail parka.
The M-65 varied from the M-51 mainly in hood attachment and the materials used.
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If you have read the Article©: M1951 Fishtail Parka, history of the vintage M51 parka.
You will be aware the we left the M-51 back in 1963, constructed in 3 parts and being mainly distinguished by its attached hood and shoulder epaulettes and heavy wool lining.
The M-65 simply dropped the unnecessary attached hood and buttoned an almost exact same model hood (albeit bigger) to the collar, instead of fumbling around buttoning to lining attachments and inner hood button holes.
After dropping the not so effective shoulder epaulettes too, the main changes were in the use of more modern materials in favor of wool and expensive wolf furs. Although, the very first models of the M-65 did use Wolf Fur on the hoods this was very quickly replaced by the rather unexciting white synthetic. Also the hood lining once wool, was now nylon/polyester mix.
The M-65 shell was a little thicker in materials and a slightly darker shade of Olive Drab or OD. The standard colour for ALL fishtail parkas was Olive Drab, Shade 107. AKA Oxford Green.
The next difference was the dropping of the heavy wool liners in favour of far lighter nylon polyester mix liners. This made the M65 parka warmer and far lighter than its heavy predecessor the M51 parka.
Many today favour the M1951 fishtail parka as the connoisseurs fine vintage however, the M1965 fishtail parka is by all accounts the better parka. Its warmer, its lighter and more durable than its forefather the M51 parka. And when re-fitted with Wolf Fur, it looks as it should.
Although not as rare or valuable as the M51 parka, the M65 is becoming increasingly hard to get hold of, a problem only compounded by the US militaries lack of sales since Nov 04. Consequently, the price of M65 parkas continues to rise along with its granddad the M51..
Expect to pay £80 to £170 ($160-$340) for a genuine complete M1965 parka, the higher end of the price scale being if want genuine Wolf Fur hood with it too.
As for seeking the M1948 parka, get a mortgage first !!!
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