parka mad

Pretty Green Parka Review

noreply@blogger.com (fishtailparkas.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Liam Gallaghers' Pretty Green Parka..

OK lets clear up a few mysteries....in various pics of Liam the question has been asked..

Is he wearing the M-65 fishtail parka he bought from us..or his Pretty Green Parka...??

The answer is both.....

The picture on the left is a promo shot of Liam for his Pretty Green Parka and the picture on the right is his Pretty Green Parka standing alone.

Now, lets play a little game......can you guess what it is yet ?..

Lets spot the difference :)

Most could not....we can. And the only other guys in the world to have handled enough kit to know agree with us too. I can tell you now...point blank...the parka Liam is wearing for the Pretty Green Promo is in fact a US MIL issue M-65. And the picture on the right IS his Pretty Green Parka.

His Pretty Green parka is made of heavy cotton and is not quarpel treated. The M-65 is made of light cotton and is quarpel treated..hence the sheen. Also, exact postions of poppers, zip etc give away the fact that the parka he is wearing to promo the Pretty Green is in fact an M-65.

Add this to the fact that we sold the M-65 and indeed the 1st Model M-1951 to him ourselves we can easily see the creation of the Pretty Green Parka and it was even mentioned to us at the time, he wanted to create his own parka.

Here is how to do it.

Take one M-65 fishtail parka, remove the hood. Make this exact same parka out of a similar material to the 1st model M-1951 parka, do not quarpel treat it, add a button to the collar to do it up and you have a Pretty Green Parka. Simple.

And if you check enough pics of Liam in his "fishtail parka" you can see for sure that he swaps between the two.

Still not sure ??...check again......this my friends is a simple M-65 !!! minus its hood

And this is The Pretty Green Parka
Can you see it now ?......

Of course you can :)...if you have even seen one unissued M-65 parka....its staring you in the face

Now...please don't think im knocking the Pretty Green Parka....in all fairness its the best replica fishtail parka I have even seen. Its excellent quality, the cut is perfect and side by side, it is hard to spot the difference...(as this little exercise has shown).

However, the question remains....are you going to pay £250+ for a replica ? when you can actually buy the original for under £100 ?......

So unless you value a little round badge at over £150.....I say, save yourself the bucks, buy an M-65 and un button off your hood.

Thanks for playing :)

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.

The M-1965 US Army Field Jacket

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

Copyright FishtailParkas.com 2007

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 (fishtailparkas.com) — 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

M-1951 Nasty Japanese Fakes Hit The Market !!!

noreply@blogger.com (fishtailparkas.com) — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 12:18:00 +0000

Articles: M-1951 Nasty Japanese Fakes Hit The Market !!
Copyright fishtailparkas.com 2006...

With the consistently rising values and increasing rarity of Genuine M51 parkas, it was only a matter of time before reproductions hit the market and guess what? They are here.

Being knocked up in japanese and chinese sweatshops these grim looking fakes are often being peddled as genuine to unsuspecting buyers.

The majority are made in Japan by a company called union casual but these are clearly being marketed as "reproductions" to the ever growing japanese mod market., who don't seem to care about originality. Basically, they are doing nothing wrong as they are telling no one these are genuine US Army Issue M51's.

However, the problem arrises when tossers then attempt to resell this repro rubbish as genuine to unsuspecting buyers for a tidy sum. There are a number of german ebay sellers peddling this fake parka as genuine so be warned.

So how good a fake is it? Well so far I have actually found two main fakes knocking about. One, the above mentioned japanse job which is actually quite good except for the lining. The shell is the right colour (Olive Drab/Oxford Green Shade 107), the material is the right mix of cotton and other fabircs, the cut is good, the hood is good, the only give aways are the lack of a conmar zipper, instead we have a shiny brass looking thing and fishtail press studs are not present on the bottom fishtails. Apart from that and the fact that is looks brand new as oppose to 55 years old, it's frighteningly good. However, you will be pleased to hear that the "good" stops with the shell, the liner is way off using an entirely different setup to the original M51, instead using an elastic cuff padded liner similar to the N3B parkas. Imagine a later m65 nylon liner with elastic cuffs as oppose to the buttons and you are somewhere near.

Next up is the Germans of fishtailparkas.de with thier "streetstyle M51" which is a direct attempt at ripping off the M51. Now, the website in question does say that it is a repro however, according to some, they don't like to make it too clear, if you know what I mean. And as for the current ebay auctions being ran by german sellers (same people behind fishtailparkas.de) claiming to have constant stocks of Brand New M51's....you have to ask a few questions....Brand New AND 55 years old ??? a constant stock of one of the hardest to find items out there?????.....

Plus the pictures in question look startling similar to the very same pictures used by the japanse makers of their M51 repro ???

So having heard a few dark stories about these german "streetstyle" fakes, I went out of my way to obtain one. Sheesh, I should not have worried it's so obvsiouly fake its painful. Sadly it is not always so easy to tell just looking at a crappy digital photo being used on an ebay ad or a website so be careful. Look at the picture above, what do you think ? its a terrible fake, wrong in every respect, yet in the picture it dont look so bad does it !!!

This "streetstyle M51" as it gets called is the wrong colour, it's the wrong material, it's the wrong cut and I really aint sure what is worse, the pathetic attempt at a repro M51 Mohair Freeze Liner or the equally pathetic attempt at an M51 Shell. Bottom line, none of it is right and you might as well go to millets or any other high street shop and pick up anyone of the glut of "lookalike" fishtail parkas knocking around...

So be careful people, call the seller, speak to them, ask if you can see the parka and try it on so you can check it out yourself. If they have a genuine parka, they won't mind one bit if you ask to see it or try it one. Be careful on ebay especially and watch out for them germans.....they are a dodgy bunch, ask anyone living in coventry 50 years ago :)....

Or you can just give me a call, most of you know me by now and that I deal only in authentic US Military parkas, you can come and see me, I will put the kettle on and you can try your parka on. Simple.

Happy hunting.....

M1965 Fishtail Parka, birth of a modern classic..

noreply@blogger.com (fishtailparkas.com) — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 13:01:00 +0000

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.

Looking To Buy an M65 Parka? click here...

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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The Fishtail Parka, from war coat to fashion icon...

noreply@blogger.com (fishtailparkas.com) — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 01:29:00 +0000

Copyright 2006 fishtailparkas.com

The fishtail parka started life in service to the US army in 1951 to help the American soldiers cope with the freezing conditions in the Korean War.

It was known as the M1951 parka and those wanting the full history on this please see Article©: M1951 Fishtail Parka, history of the vintage M51 parka.

However, in 1960’s Britain the Fishtail Parka took on a whole new life and came to represent an entire era, a lifestyle and a statement of intent.

You were a Mod.

By 1963 the mods were here, they had their own style, their own dress codes, their own transport and indeed their own language. In a fashion culture that changed on a weekly basis forcing mods to work overtime to keep up with the changes, everything from colour to length of jacket side vents, to width of trouser bottoms and style of shoes only one item of clothing managed to stay a constant throughout the life of Mod.

This was the Fishtail Parka (US Army only).

The truth is that exactly how this came about no one really knows, it’s as much a mystery and it is a phenomena. The influencing factors can readily be drawn, fishtail parkas were cheap, warm, relatively water proof and great for riding scooters in a pre-helmet era as one could tie the fur hood right up around your face. Plus, no one else was wearing them on the street and that was important to the mods.

However, no one really knows who started it and how it caught on so quickly. It’s not like anyone can say oh that was Dave, he got one in Whitechapel for a bob and we all thought; “fuck it!…. let’s all get one”.

Therefore, one is left thinking, why not any other warm coat of that time…why that parka and why ONLY that particular parka ??

Yes we all know mods wore other jackets and coats but only one coat kept its place as the first choice for scooter riding and only one coat became the most prolific symbol of Mod and that was the Fishtail Parka.

For me, it is not hard to imagine the early 60’s and a small group of early mods, or maybe even “Coffee Bar Cats” seeking out a warm coat and stumbling across a US Army M1951 Fishtail Parka in the local Army Stores. And seeing the price, seeing the quality, seeing the benefits of warmth, head protection and durability, and the fact that no one was wearing them, made the choice that this was the coat to wear.

They rode back into town adorned in their new gear, espousing the benefits of being warm and dry, the next day 4 more mods went back to that same army store and got themselves kitted out. Within a week, you a one gang of 12 mods all riding around wearing the same Fishtail Parkas.

The same processes took place as they chatted with the mod gang in the next block, and Mr Army Stores was having a good month with lots of new visitors. These early mods, being the trendsetters and likely to be looked up to by new and aspiring mods, were soon copied.

By 1964 Mod was in full swing and thousands of mods were now springing up all over London and all needed to complete their uniform.

And by 1965, Mr Army Stores had retired to a small condo in St Moritz and every mod in London had a M1951 Fishtail Parka…

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.

The Mods: where did they come from ?

noreply@blogger.com (fishtailparkas.com) — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 01:25:00 +0000

Copyright 2006 fishtailparkas.com

Far apart from the golden age of 1950's America, 1950's Britain was still on rations, and struggling to get over the devastation suffered in World War II.

However, for the British youth a new dawn was rising. Thanks to full employment and hire purchase and a new found freedom from National Service, the British youth was on their own two feet with money in their pocket and they wanted everybody to know about. A new movement known as the "teddy boys" was emerging across the UK influenced by American Rock ‘n’ Roll. As Bill Haley's cult movie "Rock Around The Clock" premiered in the Trocadero in London's Elephant and Castle, followed by outrage from the British establishment and joyous riots from the youths, the Ted movement was now alive and kicking.

Ever eager for a scoop, the press did not fail to capitalise on this new front page fodder. Soon the violence, and imminent danger that the Teddy Boys posed to British society was all over the front pages. From the prime minister to the archbishop, the British establishment was in turmoil as they watched their once dutiful youths turn into unruly wild cats. Whether much of this was by natural progression or greatly fuelled by the press, the outcome was a rough, dangerous youth movement that was loving every minute in the limelight and indeed acting up to it.

The teddy boys were here and soon the music makers and fashion retailers caught on to a new and untapped market. Very soon, commercial Rock’n’Roll was being slopped out and Teddy Boy fashions were on the high street and every kid wanted a quiff and a flick-knife. Thus, almost as quick as they had come, they were burnt out by their own famed notoriety and at now at odds with themselves for becoming everything they despised, just another high street fad, the Teds were gone.

By late 1950’s the original teddy boys were no more, broken up into various sub cultures, most fell by the wayside but two major groups remained and grew from the ruins of what was once the Teddy Boys to become the “Ton Up Boys” and the “Coffee Bar Cats”…

The “Ton Up Boys”, were those teddies that had held the motorcycle and American Rock’n’Roll as their foundations and now wore leather, big boots and rode British machines to and from various road side cafés.

The “Coffee Bar Cats” aspired to a more Latin look, and their neo Italian style appreciated modern jazz, ventless thin lapelled box suit jackets and they chose Italian scooters as the superior mode of transport for such well dressed Cats…It’s not hard to figure how these late 50’s early 60’s sub culture’s and indeed underground fashions grew into the Mods and Rockers of the mid 60’s.

The Coffee Bar Cats felt they were the modern movement and the Ton Up Boys represented all that was gone and should remain buried in a pile of dirty bikes and dirty leathers. Hence as they grew and needed to encompass all their new members, they eventually termed themselves the Modernists and the Mods were born.

The “Ton Up Boys”, enjoying the same growth in numbers and being known for their love of Rock ‘n Roll found themselves becoming the Rockers. Unsurprisingly the Rockers did not agree with the Modernist view of themselves as outdated and somehow lower class. They saw the Mods with their dandy dress, penchant for wearing eyeliner and popping pills at every opportunity as an insult to all that is British and macho.

The Rockers did not like the Mods and the Mods did not like the Rockers.

The lines were drawn…..

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.

M1951 Fishtail Parka, history of the vintage M51 parka.

noreply@blogger.com (fishtailparkas.com) — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 01:02:00 +0000

The M1951 Fishtail Parka. Also known as M51 Parka, M-1951 parka

The very first fishtail parka was the EX-48-1. This was the prototype for the M-48 Fishtail Parka. This prototype featured an attached wolf fur hoood, heavy cotton shell and detachable "fibre glass" based lining plus the major distinction was it had a pocket on the arm (much like the MA1 flying jacket sleeve pocket). The production version was the M-1948 and was the no expense spared parka of the same above specification but featuring fur pile/satin liner....

This model parka is extremely rare and fetch well over £1000 at auction in good condition and complete. (Any one seeking these should contact me as I can get them but be prepared to pay...!!!)

Looking to buy an M51 parka? click here...

The concept of the Fishtail Parka design was to offer flexible extreme cold weather protection through the detachability of all parts and the "fishtail" was designed to be tied around the legs for extra insulation. The fishtail parka rear drawstrings also benefited airborne divisions as when jumping out of planes it could be tied so not to flap up and about.

The first mass production of the fishtail parka was in 1951 and hence the M-1951 fishtail parka, commonly known as the M51 parka was born. The US Military now heading into Korea and needing large amounts of cold weather field gear could not afford to mass produce the heavy, expensive and high quality M-1948. Hence, the M-1951 was born. Quite simply, a cheaper cut down version of the M-48 was needed.

The first generation of these differed from the M1948 parka in that there was no sleeve pocket, the heavy fur pile and satin full fitting lining was replaced with detachable mohair or alpaca lining and the attached hood was unlined and without fur. Whereas the M-48 was a 2 peice construction, M-48 Shell and M-48 Liner, the M-51 was a 3 part contruction with M-51 Shell, M-51 Liner and detachable M-51 Wolf Fur Hood.

Another distinction of the M1951 fishtail parka were that it featured shoulder epaulettes that could be buttoned down to hold hats or other light items.

The 1st generation M1951 fishtail parka was made of the same heavier cotton (canvas appearence) material as the M-48 and featured a thick, heavy Alpaca liner. Once again, this proved expensive to produce and the liners were hard to dry in the field once wet. Hence, the heavier M-48 material was dropped in favour of the more commonly seen thinner, lighter (shiny) cotton and the alpaca was replaced by Mohair Wool very soon into producion (1952). This 2nd Generation M-1951 is the more common of the two.

Production of the M-1951 continued in the US up to 1956 when US production ceased. After this period M-51 production continued in US territory in the now defeated and occupided Germany up until 1958. Notable German manufacturers during this time include Albatross Franz Mayer. Franz Mayer being involved in the production of the Focker Wolfe. Another run of M-51's was made around 1963 for UK and Canadian Specification. After this time, no more M-51's were produced and fishtail parka saw no new events until 1965 when it was once again updated and remade as the M-1965 Fishtail parka.

All models of the M-1951 fishtail parka are highly sought after today and are prized by both modernist connoisseurs and militaria collectors alike. The M-51 complete with all 3 parts and in good condition command handsome sums these days and the values just keep rising. Good condition complete M-51 fetch a minimum of £350-450 ($700-$900) and Mint condition or even Unissued Never Worn fetch a whole lot more. For mint or unissued expect to pay anything from £600 up to £1000 for a perfect example.

News Flash: April 2007, A Mint complete M-51 fetched a record $956 at auction.

A word of warning, unissued M-51 kit is rarer than hens teeth and in 19 years of collecting and 6 years of dealing with the largest surplus dealers and collectors in the world today, I have seen a total of around 60 peices of geunine Unissued Kit and only 7 complete unissued parkas (all 3 parts).

So anyone claiming to have "bundles" of unissued M-51 stuff has either found the holy grail or is full of shit...I tend to go with the latter :)

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