Vietnam issue Alpha MA-1

[6148th T.C.Squadron]

A friend of mine is giving me an Alpha MA-1. The label looks to be cotton stating an issue date of August 1973. The jacket has 100% wool pile interlining, and 100% cotton backing.
Also states dry clean only. Can, in your opinion you cold water wash in Woolite an let flat dry?

 

[Atticus]

Can, in your opinion you cold water wash in Woolite an let flat dry?

No. The insulation in that jacket is mostly wool. It will shrink and glump up. They're not kidding when they say "dry clean only".

AF

 

[6148th T.C.Squadron]

Thank you for the assist. Dave

 

[watchmanjimg]

I totally agree with Geoff, but I'd advise caution even with dry cleaning. In my experience it can beat up the zipper tape, which is a high-stress area in these jackets. Can you get by with spot-cleaning and airing it out instead of a full treatment?

 

[6148th T.C.Squadron]

Maybe spot cleaning, I will have jacket in hand, in a week, and better able to assess the integrity of the fabric.