Swedish M1909 Field Coat - The Bane






























Army Parka (The Bane)

I'm suddenly fascinated — this week at least — with the classic M1909 Swedish Army parka. For winter military coats, I think it takes one hell of a beating.

This dålig pojke was introduced in the 1930s, I believe. Sweden has a reputation for being a fairly pacific nation, but surely wearing this coat would summon the inner Viking in anyone. Its rugged good looks will add, at a guess, 20% to your masculinity gauge. It was, after all, the coat that inspired the one worn by the highly-talented Tom Hardy playing Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. If you put one on, you may feel tempted to overthrow and destroy a decadent metropolis yourself. Stranger things have happened.

The coat's warmth is its USP  — just look at the pile of cosy sheepskin hidden away beneath that unassuming heavy cotton drill. The coat length sensibly comes down to the knees. You also have that sheepskin collar to pull up and secure around your neck.






























The coat has some nice practical touches too. The two billows pockets at the front are roomy enough for packing for a weekend away. The classic style of the coat would certainly not look out of place today. In fact, if you're a mod and thinking of heading down to Brighton in the cooler months before the May bank holidays, then this coat may be a suitable alternative to the fishtail parka.










































I'm going to try and track down an original for next winter; or something similar inspired by this very post. The one you see here was landed by The Clothing Vault in the U.S.A. It's in the more common army green, but white versions were also produced for Arctic cover, as far as I can glean.

If any of our Swedish readers know anything more about this coat — or they have one spare in a 38" chest and tip-top condition — beans may be spilled below and received with much appreciation.

Comments

  1. What a natty coat. I once ordered a 'small' Swedish parka (a more modern and less stylish M90 version), in the assurance that it would fit a 38" chest. I was veritably buried! I had to return it. I'm not sure they do 'small' people in Sweden.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ian. And thanks for the tip. Good to try on first, I guess. Or start working out more. Best wishes, Tweedy

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  2. PS: A Swedish reader has been in touch to tell me about the shorter version that was made for motorcycle messengers. I have some pics too. Handsome. Apparently, extremely rare. Best wishes, Tweedy

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  3. Hi - I have one of these coats and am currently looking at the best way to sell it
    Annie

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    1. Hi Annie. Sorry about the delay. I only just received a bunch of comments dating back over a year. Ebay? Best wishes, Tweedy

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  4. I have one of these coats and am looking into the best way to sell it
    Annie

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  5. Have you checked out the Pretty Green replica version? Not as robust as a original, but a very smart option.

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    1. Hi Paisley. Apologies for the delay - something happened to prevent the comments coming through. Thanks for the suggestion. PG have some nice things. Do drop a line if you see anything (at all) you think I should share. Best wishes, Tweedy.

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  6. Have just bought one of these....didnt jnow what it was but knew it was quality & I wanted it.....
    Bought it at 1950s price too....
    So glad I did now Ive found your post !
    Thanks !

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Anon. What a result! Do come back. And tell your friends -- the nice ones. Best wishes, Tweedy.

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