Buzz Rickson 1941 1st Pattern 'Tanker' Jacket

Officially designated on the 10th February 1941 by the U. S. Army Quartermaster as JACKET, WINTER, COMBAT, P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26 - this jacket was destined to become one of the most popular articles of clothing used by the G. I. in World War II, and was to gain post-war Hollywood film fame when worn by actor Brad Pitt in the 2014 release of "Fury."

The jacket formed part of a three-piece suit, including a matching helmet and bib-front trousers; this set was intended to be a winter suit for the Armored Forces of the U. S. Army, hence the jacket’s nickname that would make it famous – Tanker Jacket.

First-model jackets of P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26 featured open-top patch pockets and a double-faced cotton twill wind flap behind the zip closure, which was later replaced with a wool-backed wind flap.  The revised Spec. No. 26A jackets are easily distinguished from first-model Spec. 26 jackets by having cotton-lined slash pockets and maintaining the wool-backed wind flap that appeared on later Spec. 26 jackets. While the Spec. 26A jackets were the most typical and dominant in production and use in WWII, the first-model Tanker Jackets of Spec. 26 are, by comparison, more unique looking, they have more history, having seen combat first in N. Africa as worn by the vanguard tankers of the 1st and 2nd Armored Divisions and even General George S. Patton, Jr., and they soldiered on in combat right up to the end of the war in 1945.

Usage of the Tanker Jacket, however, far transcended the Armored Forces. The inherent stylish good looks, comfort, practicality and warmth of the Tanker Jacket made it a favourite among all troops; officers very commonly sought and wore the Tanker Jacket.

The basic jacket has been copied many times over in a variety of civilian jacket styles since its original issue to the U. S. Army in 1941. Today, a vintage first-model Tanker Jacket from WWII in a wearable size and condition will command a substantial four-figure price in the collectors market, if you can even find one!

This Buzz Rickson’s 1941 Tanker Jacket has only been resurrected from its multi-year hiatus since 2014 with the popularity of Brad Pitt’s “War Daddy” character in the film “Fury.” The Tanker Jacket superbly captures all of the features found on vintage originals. Take note of these authentic features masterfully crafted into every Buzz Rickson's 1941 Tanker Jacket - things you'll only find poorly imitated on lesser "knockoffs":

• Precise copy of original U. S. Army Quartermaster label design

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 12oz cotton-twill shell to precisely match 1941 US Army specs. and dyed a correct shade of Olive Drab #3

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct Olive Drab blanket-wool lining to precisely match 1941 US Army specs

• Two unlined patch pockets

• Vintage-style 1941 brass “Conmar” zipper

• Blanket wool-backed wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply worsted wool-knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

• Double-pleated bi-swing action back

• Made in Japan

Find out more about Buzz Rickson.