USAF N-3B parkas - Let's talk about them!!

[Peacoat]

Hey guys. So I've done a lot of research on N-3B's. I actually just got my hands on a nice 1969 one with wool insulation. My question is, is the fur coyote or wolf? I've heard both and I cannot find any info on which ones have wolf and which are coyote. Thanks

I have a 1970 Skyline with Coyote fur. I would think Coyote would be more readily available as most states have no limits on Coyote hunting season.

If you would post a picture, that might be helpful.

 

[Vaughn2867]

It hasn't arrived yet but here are the seller's photos.

I have

I have a 1970 Skyline with Coyote fur. I would think Coyote would be more readily available as most states have no limits on Coyote hunting season.

If you would post a picture, that might be helpful.

 

[Peacoat]

It looks like a Coyote ruff.

For me, the important thing is, not whether it is Wolf or Coyote, but rather what shape the ruff is in. The ruff is the most delicate part of the parka and is susceptible to moth damage.

Yours is also a Skyline parka with the 100% wool insulation. Skyline was a quality manufacturer. I prefer the wool interlining to the polyester interlining. I think the polyester was probably a cost saving measure. But then I am partial to the natural fabrics. My favorite cold weather coats have wool or down insulation.

 

[Vaughn2867]

It looks like a Coyote ruff.

For me, the important thing is, not whether it is Wolf or Coyote, but rather what shape the ruff is in. The ruff is the most delicate part of the parka and is susceptible to moth damage.

Yours is also a Skyline parka with the 100% wool insulation. Skyline was a quality manufacturer. I prefer the wool interlining to the polyester interlining. I think the polyester was probably a cost saving measure. But then I am partial to the natural fabrics. My favorite cold weather coats have wool or down insulation.

I have to agree with you. I'm very anti-plastic clothing. I find it unhealthy and frankly ugly. I'm a big proponent of natural materials. That's why this item really struck with me. How would you recommend taking care of the fur?

 

[Peacoat]

I have to agree with you. I'm very anti-plastic clothing. I find it unhealthy and frankly ugly. I'm a big proponent of natural materials. That's why this item really struck with me. How would you recommend taking care of the fur?

This coat is, as one of our members, Fifty150, has said, is old technology. But it is warm technology and still has its place in our never ending quest to keep warm in very cold weather. I used it to good advantage during the recent deep freeze when we had lows near zero ° F and highs in the single digits and low double digits.

On cold NFL game days, I wear my Canada Goose down filled parka. It is lighter and easier to move around in. In my experiment I found both to be equally warm. But the CG is much more expensive.

 

[Grayland]

I bought a civilian version a few years ago off eBay. L. Spiewak Golden Fleece. Even in upstate NY, I only wear it a few times a year. It's a beast.

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

Those Spiewak Golden Fleece with Titan fabric are indeed beasts. They weigh a ton.

 

[Jc112]

Hi all, I’m looking at buying a southern athletic or skyline N-3b in small, does anyone know, if the lining between the hood and the fur is stiff - will that soften up with some wear, is there anything that can done to soften that lining? Otherwise it seems to make the whole hood a bit stiff.

 

[Peacoat]

Hi all, I’m looking at buying a southern athletic or skyline N-3b in small, does anyone know, if the lining between the hood and the fur is stiff - will that soften up with some wear, is there anything that can done to soften that lining? Otherwise it seems to make the whole hood a bit stiff.

I have a 1970 Skyline, and the hood isn't stiff; it is soft and broken in.

 

[Eidolon7]

Hi Everyone,
I have a couple quick questions: Have an N-3B the label (see photo) and need to know 1) the date it was issued (reads "jacket, aircrew, heavy attached hood, type n-3b" which puts it before 1960 i think somewhere between MIL-J-6279A-MIL-J-6279E but there is no MIL-J-6279X number so not sure.) and 2) the label also has "Inspector" so no sure what this means as well, any clue? and 3) any info on "Southern Aviation" as a legit producer of usaf military parkas. I am familiar with "Southern Athletic" N-3b parkas. Oh, the parka has "crown zippers" coyote fur and Air Force stamp on arm as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[beepboobbeepwakawaka]

What I'm curious about is that the DSA number of N3B that I have was DSA100-1129, which is different from the example shown, and the year of manufacture was not shown. Is there any way to check the year of manufacture other than DSA?

I have a total of 2 N3Bs and one is the same one in the picture and the other is Lancer's N3B.


Other than DSA, the difference I feel from the beginning is in the part of the hat. I think it's different that it contains something that shapes the hat, not the presence or absence of a coyotepper. If you know anything, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know.
The FSN (I don't know if this is the correct name) number cannot be inquired.

I eagerly await the sharing of your knowledge.

 

[mumpy]

Just got an email from Bronson MFG that they now have an N-3B parka that also has genuine wolf fur.

1945 Type N-3 Parka

In 1945, the U.S. Army Air Force issued the "Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Type N-3", the first of a long line of very successful N-3 style parkas.

bronsonshop.com

 

[bn1966]

Got two good to go: USA Alpha version in black with faux fur, looks good & lightweight. D J Manufacturing Corp service issued for actual cold weather should it happen in the S.West UK

 

[Peacoat]

@beepboobbeepwakawaka Your N3B is a 1966 coat.

 

[Grayland]

I just bought a used Spiewak Golden Fleece N3B - in outstanding condition. This one was made in Canada. Hopefully, I won't need it!

 

[Peacoat]

I just bought a used Spiewak Golden Fleece N3B - in outstanding condition. This one was made in Canada. Hopefully, I won't need it!

You are in upstate NY. You will need it.

 

[sh0wb1z]

Hello everyone, I'm new here, I'm Nicola from Venice Italy!

Yesterday I was finally able to buy my first parka but it has a hole. I tried to look everywhere on Google but I couldn't find any picture of repairs made in these kind of parkas (but I found this forum!).

Do anyone have some pictures of repaired holes? What do you suggest? I will post an example of what the army usually does to repair holes (as I guess you all know). What should I ask to my local tailor to do?

Also, can you guess what year this was made? The label is missing unfortunately.

Any help appreciated, thank you!

 

[Doctor Damage]

I wouldn't screw around trying to do much of a repair on that hole. I would just get a needle and thread and do what you can to stabilize the hole so it doesn't get bigger or snag and tear bigger. Or maybe find a piece of cotton cloth (do you have a relative who quilts or sews?) that is a similar colour, but a small piece, slide into the hole between the shell and insulation, and hand sew it in gently.

 

[sh0wb1z]

I wouldn't screw around trying to do much of a repair on that hole. I would just get a needle and thread and do what you can to stabilize the hole so it doesn't get bigger or snag and tear bigger. Or maybe find a piece of cotton cloth (do you have a relative who quilts or sews?) that is a similar colour, but a small piece, slide into the hole between the shell and insulation, and hand sew it in gently.

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to reply. Yes my grandma is a very good sewer! I just wanted to know which is the best way to make it look like it's an original repair and not something I did

 

[WolfofStateSt]

How much does a USAF N3B from the 60’s weigh?