M57 TRANSITIONAL

THIS IS THE ONLY PIC I HAVE. M58? TRANSITIONAL, IT SEEMS TO HAVE HAD ABOUT 5 INCHES CUT FROM THE BOTTOM LEAVING A SORT OF BEAVER TAIL. ANY INPUT IS WELCOME.

Yup, that's a fairly well used example of what I've called the "transitional" model. Because, as far as I know, there is no official designation for it.

It combines the pleated pockets and snaps of the M57 with the more simplified overall design (no collar, no foliage loops, etc.) of the M59. Easiest way to spot one is if you see a long parka without a collar and with snaps.

Here's one on eBay that shows some better pictures.

Steve

Thanks as usual Steve, Was the jacket cut down to make the rear flap for Airborne troops, did Austria have Airborne troops. It seems a lot of work to cut the jacket with a new hem & new snaps on the front. regards Jim.

Camo-collector1951 wrote:Thanks as usual Steve, Was the jacket cut down to make the rear flap for Airborne troops, did Austria have Airborne troops. It seems a lot of work to cut the jacket with a new hem & new snaps on the front. regards Jim.

Hmm... I suppose it would have been helpful to put up the link to the other transitional parka

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AUSTRIAN-Army-KAZ-57-type2-CAMO-PARKA-1959-small/163626375284?hash=item2618e45874:g:H1YAAOSwptxcoR1o

As you can see, it's the same as the one you posted pics of. No modifications that I can see.

Austrians did not and do not have airborne forces (special forces excepted). These parkas were for bog standard ground pounders and a short version for armored vehicle personnel. The crotch flaps for both M57 and transitional were obviously not very useful and that's why they were pulled from all further designs. Interestingly, French and Belgians also had crotch flaps as a feature for their standard uniforms of the 1950s and, like the Austrians, dropped them.

Steve

Thanks Steve. So there are different trans styles.

There is only the one parka and the one trousers for Transitional. However, the M57 Panzer uniform seems to have been tweaked a bit before changing to M59, but only in a very minor way. I think the only difference is the direction of the snaps?

Here's a thread that has a ton of information. Make sure you check out the updates, especially the 2016 revisions I made after starting the thread in 2009. Also note that I've subsequently secured M57 Panzerhose. It's one of only two that I'm aware of.

Steve