U.S. Army Airborne M42 Reinforced Jump Jacket

Original Second World War U.S. Army Airborne M42 reinforced combat jump jacket as worn by American paratroopers of the 101st and 82nd Airborne on D-Day and other famous operations. The reinforcement job is consistent with other original period examples. It’s important to understand this reinforcement was done at unit level, and they did not come this way from the factory. This jacket is reinforced in the standard fashion at the elbows and lower pockets, with heavy olive drab canvas, and the standard style of unit tailor / rigger stitching that is not evenly spaced and different from the factory stitching. The edges of the reinforced canvas elbows have been folded over, and then stitched to hold them in place before being assembled onto the jacket. Once added to the jacket, they were then stitched twice around. During assembly of the elbow reinforcement, the sleeve seams were picked open, the side of the canvas was inserted, and then the seam was re-sewn. Inside the sleeve it looks quite rough as there's no neat way to interlock the seam again. The lower pocket reinforcement is done in similar fashion, to ensure items such as grenades could be well secured without ripping the factory pockets. These details are all consistent with other originals we have studied and discussed with other advanced dealers and collectors. There is a faint name ink stamped inside the jacket, but we have not been able to determine and research it. Depending how you look at the shoulder, it appears as if it *may* have had a 101st Airborne badge at one point. It’s possible more research on what’s remaining of the name stamp may turn up something down the road. The overall condition of the jacket is lightly worn with all snaps and zipper in good working order. Iconic example of the ultimate Second World War American combat jacket. *Sold*

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