This entry in the vintage archive is a 50s French Army-issue field jacket, commonly known in the collector trade as the M-38 (Mle 1938 Motocycliste). Designed for French Army motorcycle dispatch riders and mechanized troops around 1938.
It's a double-breasted, stand-collar field coat in heavy olive (yellowish green) cotton canvas/twill, built for durability and looks.
The Silhouette
Full front — double-breasted, ten-button front (two rows of five) and a stand collar with a separate throat-latch tab. It has a unique design with a curved front flap to enhance wind protection, making it a celebrated classic in vintage military wear.
Full back — a raglan-sleeve cut with a stitched storm-flap yoke across the upper back for weather coverage and back ventilation. On this piece, the storm flap carries a longer bar stitching than earlier variants of the jacket, which is a useful marker for placing it within the production run.Worn — the stand collar rises high enough to close fully at the throat, and the double-breasted cut gives a boxy, protective drape.
Collar, Placket & Shoulders
Stand collar and shoulder epaulette, each epaulette closing with a single button. The chin strapped is large and the lower part is not sewed together, which allows you to fold and fasten underneath the collar when not in use.Front placket detail — the ten-button double-breasted arrangement and collar throat tab. Buttons are in brown plastics which the earliest version has metal ones. The additional vertical seam on the placket is a highlight that I most appreciate in the design, this adds volume to the chest instead of looking flat.
Pockets
Lower front pocket — patch-style with a pointed, buttoned flap, plus a smaller angled welt pocket above it.
Cuffs & Ventilation
Adjustable cuff strap, single button, for sealing the sleeve at the wrist.Underarm eyelets — metal ventilation grommets set into the side seam.
Interior & Provenance
Liner — visible age and patina on the lining, consistent with genuine long-term wear.The interior stamp — "S D HAUSER LILLE" and "1953 ARMEE" issue mark alongside a size stamp (size 2), confirming French Army issue.
Condition Notes
Overall structurally sound with even fading across the canvas consistent with genuine age and storage rather than sun damage. Buttonhole thread shows expected wear.
