The JapanesebrandBuzz Rickson's are today counted among the few high-end reproduction manufacturers of military and casual garments in the world! They strive to make true replicas by carefully researching and analyzing original vintage garments, taking great care to duplicate the material while paying close attention to technique and quality with the goal to bring back old forgotten techniques and machines needed to make garments of outstanding quality without compromises.
The M-51 Parka,also known as the 'Fish Tail Parka'wasoriginally issued for the US Army during the Korean war 1950-53. The name refers to the year it became standard issue (1951) and it became thestandard issue cold weather parka. Theprevious cold weather parka known as the 'N-3B' wasa lotheavierand not optimal for the Korean weather, and that became thebirth of the iconic M-51 Fish Tail Parka.
But it wasn't the army who gave the jacket it's iconic status! Today it's hard to mention the M-51 parka without thinking of the British mod subculture in the 1950s and 60s. The parka along with a slim cut suit, modern jazz music andriding a Vespa or Lambretta was the way of life for this growing subculture.
The name Fish Tail comes from the split back that looks like the tail of a fish. The design allows the garment to be fastened aroundeach leg for added warmth.
Buzz Rickson's has carefullyreproduced this garment according to the original one with all the wartime specifications. We would even say that this reproduction is even better than the originals when it comes to the construction and the stitching of the garment. Worth to mention is that Buzz have recreated the earliest version of these jackets using a thick cotton sateen fabric. The later jackets produced in the 50's had a thinner cotton shell fabric.
The lining for this jacket is sold separately and rel='noopener' title='Buzz Rickson's Liner Extreme Cold Weather M-65 Parka BR15335' href=' target='_blank'>you can find it here.
Johan is 173 cm tall, weighs 67 kilos and wears a size XS.
- Buzz Rickson's M-51 Fish Tail Parka Olive
- BR12266
- Shell fabric 100% cotton
- Pocket lining 100% wool
- Zipper
- Two hand warmer pockets
- Made in Japan
Allmeasurementsare in centimeters and measured on a flatsurface. Width ismeasuredstraight across the chest from armpit to armpit, length is measured at the back of the garment from the neck down and the sleeve length is measured on the underarm from the armpit to the end of the cuff.
Size Chart | Width | Length | Sleeve length |
XS | 59cm | 99cm | 53cm |
S | 64cm | 100cm | 53cm |
M | 66cm | 103cm | 55cm |
L | 68cm | 106cm | 56cm |
XL | 71cm | 106cm | 56cm |
Buzz Rickson's M-51 Fish Tail Parka Olive BR12266