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

[Peacoat]

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

My 1970 Skyline weighs 6 pounds. It is probably about the last of the 100% wool interlining N3-B parkas.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

My 1970 Skyline weighs 6 pounds. It is probably about the last of the 100% wool interlining N3-B parkas.

Awesome exactly the answer I was looking for.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Any idea how old this N-3A is?

 

[Peacoat]

The N3-A was first issued in 1945 and continued in use until the early to mid 50s when it morphed into the N3-B. If this is an original issue parka, I would say about 1950. Do you have a picture of the zipper?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

The N3-A was first issued in 1945 and continued in use until the early to mid 50s when it morphed into the N3-B. If this is an original issue parka, I would say about 1950. Do you have a picture of the zipper?

Yes

 

[WolfofStateSt]

The N3-A was first issued in 1945 and continued in use until the early to mid 50s when it morphed into the N3-B. If this is an original issue parka, I would say about 1950. Do you have a picture of the zipper?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I looked at it today and could make out Conmar on the zipper.

 

[Peacoat]

This is an original issue N3-A, and I still think it is about 1950. The AF supposedly went to blue parkas with this specification, but this one is still grey in color. The AF didn't return to the grey color until around 1958, and it was a different specification number. That's why I think this parka is about 1950.

 

[Canuck Panda]

C.H. Mashland and Sons N-3A MIL-J6279 size Medium 26" P2P
REED N-3A MIL-J6279 size Medium 26" P2P

I have the early 2000s repro version by RMC, and also in medium and also 26" P2P.
There is external waist cinch to bring thing in together. Very cool jacket design.

coat length is 31"

 

[WolfofStateSt]

This is an original issue N3-A, and I still think it is about 1950. The AF supposedly went to blue parkas with this specification, but this one is still grey in color. The AF didn't return to the grey color until around 1958, and it was a different specification number. That's why I think this parka is about 1950.

Oh mine is definitely AF Blue, it just doesn’t show up in pictures

 

[Peacoat]

Oh mine is definitely AF Blue, it just doesn’t show up in pictures

Well, then, that is consistent. So about a 1950 or later.

 

[DoubleEagle]

Well, I’ve gone down the N-3B parka rabbit hole and have bought several of them thanks to the details provided in this post. I am also working on putting together a compilation of all of the details I’ve gathered from the replies to this post and will post it if there’s interest once I finish it.

I do have one request from folks if I might ask please — does anyone happen to have one of the Alpha N-3B parkas with the removable faux fur trim (with snap fasteners) and if so, would you please be able to take some pics of how it is attached and the spacing between the snaps? I have a snap setter here (with appropriate-colored snaps) and would like to modify one of these newer (USA-made) Alpha ones I have to have removable trim on the hood to make cleaning easier. It’s also generally not necessary here in Texas 99.999999% of the year. lol (We are planning a couple of cold-weather trips in the next couple of years, so it will get used, but usually will leave it off…)

Oh, and I have another Alpha (sage green, flight satin, with “Ideal” brand zippers) which appears to possibly be military issue, but has some horrible-looking white faux fur trim. I am not sure if it is original to the parka or was added on later…it was badly matted when I got it, but I was able to get it all combed out and it looks better, but I happen to have a tanned coyote pelt here which I would like to use to make a replica coyote fur trim, but again I haven’t seen one in person so am not sure what it is supposed to look like…like, is it doubled-over and just sewn onto the outside of the hood? Any pics of an actual coyote fur trim would also be very much appreciated as well.

Thank you for any help on that!! If y’all want me to post my compilation/cheat sheet when I’m finished with it, please let me know…

(Edit to add some additional information for posterity…)

I bought light gray color N-3B that is apparently Italian in origin…not military issue. Has the zipper pull on the left side (opposite from men’s jackets in the US), but size Large fits same as the milspec sizing on the N-3B. It feels like it has slightly less polyfill insulation than the milspec Alpha N-3B.

I also bought a new old stock Schott N-3B in black flight satin. It is MUCH heavier than the milspec Alpha N3B and is much better made, even though it was made in China. The pockets have the same faux sheerling insulation as on the inside of the hood. The faux fur hood trim unzips to remove for cleaning, Due to the additional thickness of the insulation, it is an XL and fits similar to a milspec “Large.” It is surprisingly well-made, especially for it being made in China. Nothing against China in general…just haven’t been impressed in general with China-made clothing.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Well, I’ve gone down the N-3B parka rabbit hole and have bought several of them thanks to the details provided in this post. I am also working on putting together a compilation of all of the details I’ve gathered from the replies to this post and will post it if there’s interest once I finish it.

I do have one request from folks if I might ask please — does anyone happen to have one of the Alpha N-3B parkas with the removable faux fur trim (with snap fasteners) and if so, would you please be able to take some pics of how it is attached and the spacing between the snaps? I have a snap setter here (with appropriate-colored snaps) and would like to modify one of these newer (USA-made) Alpha ones I have to have removable trim on the hood to make cleaning easier. It’s also generally not necessary here in Texas 99.999999% of the year. lol (We are planning a couple of cold-weather trips in the next couple of years, so it will get used, but usually will leave it off…)

Oh, and I have another Alpha (sage green, flight satin, with “Ideal” brand zippers) which appears to possibly be military issue, but has some horrible-looking white faux fur trim. I am not sure if it is original to the parka or was added on later…it was badly matted when I got it, but I was able to get it all combed out and it looks better, but I happen to have a tanned coyote pelt here which I would like to use to make a replica coyote fur trim, but again I haven’t seen one in person so am not sure what it is supposed to look like…like, is it doubled-over and just sewn onto the outside of the hood? Any pics of an actual coyote fur trim would also be very much appreciated as well.

Thank you for any help on that!! If y’all want me to post my compilation/cheat sheet when I’m finished with it, please let me know…

I have an Alpha I gave to my friend, I can ask him to take pics.

 

[Peacoat]

Well, I’ve gone down the N-3B parka rabbit hole and have bought several of them thanks to the details provided in this post. I am also working on putting together a compilation of all of the details I’ve gathered from the replies to this post and will post it if there’s interest once I finish it.

Thank you for any help on that!! If y’all want me to post my compilation/cheat sheet when I’m finished with it, please let me know…

In a word, yes. Too much information about these great parkas of the past is never enough.

Oh, and welcome to the Lounge. PC

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Well, I’ve gone down the N-3B parka rabbit hole and have bought several of them thanks to the details provided in this post. I am also working on putting together a compilation of all of the details I’ve gathered from the replies to this post and will post it if there’s interest once I finish it.

I do have one request from folks if I might ask please — does anyone happen to have one of the Alpha N-3B parkas with the removable faux fur trim (with snap fasteners) and if so, would you please be able to take some pics of how it is attached and the spacing between the snaps? I have a snap setter here (with appropriate-colored snaps) and would like to modify one of these newer (USA-made) Alpha ones I have to have removable trim on the hood to make cleaning easier. It’s also generally not necessary here in Texas 99.999999% of the year. lol (We are planning a couple of cold-weather trips in the next couple of years, so it will get used, but usually will leave it off…)

Oh, and I have another Alpha (sage green, flight satin, with “Ideal” brand zippers) which appears to possibly be military issue, but has some horrible-looking white faux fur trim. I am not sure if it is original to the parka or was added on later…it was badly matted when I got it, but I was able to get it all combed out and it looks better, but I happen to have a tanned coyote pelt here which I would like to use to make a replica coyote fur trim, but again I haven’t seen one in person so am not sure what it is supposed to look like…like, is it doubled-over and just sewn onto the outside of the hood? Any pics of an actual coyote fur trim would also be very much appreciated as well.

Thank you for any help on that!! If y’all want me to post my compilation/cheat sheet when I’m finished with it, please let me know…

(Edit to add some additional information for posterity…)

I bought light gray color N-3B that is apparently Italian in origin…not military issue. Has the zipper pull on the left side (opposite from men’s jackets in the US), but size Large fits same as the milspec sizing on the N-3B. It feels like it has slightly less polyfill insulation than the milspec Alpha N-3B.

I also bought a new old stock Schott N-3B in black flight satin. It is MUCH heavier than the milspec Alpha N3B and is much better made, even though it was made in China. The pockets have the same faux sheerling insulation as on the inside of the hood. The faux fur hood trim unzips to remove for cleaning, Due to the additional thickness of the insulation, it is an XL and fits similar to a milspec “Large.” It is surprisingly well-made, especially for it being made in China. Nothing against China in general…just haven’t been impressed in general with China-made clothing.

@DoubleEagle the pictures you requested:

 

[DoubleEagle]

@DoubleEagle the pictures you requested:

Thank you very much to you and your friend for these pics! Looks like I’ll need to order some nylon flight satin to begin working on it.

Thanks again!!