About genuine M65 US ARMY jacket

[eamenos]

Hi everybody!

I'm interested in buying an og 107 genuine m65 jacket, from the late 60's to the end of 70's. As the first ones are very difficult to find in an optimus condition, I have been searching 70's era. I'm between two jackets that i've found in very good-excellent condition. One is a 1975 contract made by Cherokee Industries and the other one is a 1981 contract made by Alpha Industries.

Which of both do you recommend me to buy??? May be it's a child question, but as I know that in this forum there are many experts in those things, I want to feel secure of what I'm going to buy.

Thanks a lot. Regards

 

[B-Man2]

Hi
If it were me I would purchase the 1975 Cherokee jacket over the Alpha . It’s a lesser known manufacturer and from a collectable standpoint it may increase in value over time. Alpha has been making jackets for years so they are more plentiful. What size are you looking for ?

 

[eamenos]

Hi
If it were me I would purchase the 1975 Cherokee jacket over the Alpha . It’s a lesser known manufacturer and from a collectable standpoint it may increase in value over time. Alpha has been making jackets for years so they are more plentiful. What size are you looking for ?

Thanks B-Man2, i'm looking for a Small short or small regular one

 

[eamenos]

Hi
If it were me I would purchase the 1975 Cherokee jacket over the Alpha . It’s a lesser known manufacturer and from a collectable standpoint it may increase in value over time. Alpha has been making jackets for years so they are more plentiful. What size are you looking for ?

I'm more interested in the differences of sewing material, zippers, things like this (if they exist, of course)

 

[B-Man2]

I'm more interested in the differences of sewing material, zippers, things like this (if they exist, of course)

Sorry E
All that’s a bit out of my lane as I don’t really focus on M-65s that much , however we have a few people here who are pretty knowledgeable about them and I’m sure they will jump in and help you with those areas.
Cheers

 

[blackrat2]

E, I think it’s like everything in this hobby, the older stuff is better put together and more collectible
Mention Vietnam and that adds to the cost with M65’s
As mentioned the older gear from lesser known makers will be more expensive but will potentially over time make money
There is plenty with more knowledge on these coats so hopefully they will add to your thread

 

[Flightengineer]

I have been in the subject of field jackets for a long time and the M65 has been collecting and wearing them for a long time, although there is a guy on this forum with Talon71 nick and he knows everything about these jackets.
In short, the fabric was always practically one with small deviations in density and texture, this is NYCO (nylon + cotton 50/50). Except for the first 1965 jackets without epaulettes, the cut did not change from beginning to end, except for that in 1971, the wedge in the sleeve disappeared.
Until 1971, there were aluminum zippers and these are the most beautiful and valuable jackets. Then there was brass. Then plastic. The consumer properties of these jackets are the same, everything else is just aesthetics and collectible value. For example, an M65 in "Mitchell" camo can cost several thousand dollars

 

[bazzer]

Have you considered buying a usaf field jacket they were used in Vietnam and are a fraction of the cost of a m65 on eBay you can pick up a near mint for under 30 pounds

baz