


Vendor:Americana Pipedream Apparel
Issued M51 Fishtail Parka
Description
The Korean War presented the U.S military with some of the most brutal winter conditions it had yet faced. During the U.S. withdrawal from Chosin Reservoir, freezing temperatures led to not just equipment failures, but thousands of frostbite casualties. The U.S responded with the M-51 Fishtail Parka. Superior to the heavier and less maneuverable M47/48 designs. While the M51 made use of natural fibers on the hood, the design would see the gradual adoption of synthetic liners, a choice that made the parka lighter and better suited to the wet conditions where the 47/48 parkas struggled.
The iconic "fishtail design" can be snapped up and behind the wearer, left loose, or tied around the wearer's legs to block cold drafts, a choice that proved less restrictive and more effective than the longer and less flexible M47.
After the Korean War, the M51 Fishtail Parka became a staple of surplus streetwear. Too late to see mass issue during the conflict, the parkas became relatively cheap and plentiful on the surplus market. Their fashion history began in the 1960s, when London mods—a subculture of jazz-listening hooligans—began wearing them.
- Authentic USGI
- Removable synthetic liner
- Zipper Front with Snap Storm Flap
- Adjustable Button Cuffs
- Drawstring Hood, Waist, and Bottom
- 2 Deep Front Snap Flap Pockets
- Snap Up Back Flap
- Button Epaulets
Pairs well with
Curious About Sizing?
Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.
Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.
Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.
Jacket & Shirt Sizing
In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.
To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit.
This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:
14"-15" PtP = XXS
16-17" PtP = Extra Small
18"-19" PtP = Small
20-21" PtP = Medium
22-23" PtP = Large
24-25" PtP = Extra Large
26-27" PtP = XXL
28-29" PtP = 3XL
Pant Sizing
We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.
To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.
To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.
Surplus Condition Guide
- Unissued
- These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be.
- Issued; Good / Issued
- These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
- Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
- Grade 2
- These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
- This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning
All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:
“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”
In stock! Ships within 3-5 business days, or we'll refund your shipping cost.
First-class customer service, guaranteed.
Free exchanges & returns.

Issued M51 Fishtail Parka
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
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