The Swedish Vindrock M59 Parka ~ Awesome !
The Swedish Vindrock M59 Parka
Your host finds himself in the most joyous of positions - the proud owner of a newly acquired outstanding vintage coat.
Read on and prepare to be dazzled at the sight of the finest field coat known to man . . . .
Regular sufferers readers will be well aware that I’m rather keen on the Cold War period and may remember that outstanding period when I actually Lived My Life as a Cold War Spy and a love of walking outdoors not to mention a weakness for coats and clothing - well combine all three and . . .
You have the Swedish Military Cold Weather Field Coat - The Vindrock M59 !
A Very Happy Chappie
Did you ever see anybody looking more content and warm on a freezing winter morning by the coast in Lincolnshire ?
I sit here next to a warm radiator writing this, fortified by a recently consumed cooked breakfast, immersed in the Cold War with Smiley’s People by John le Carre playing in the form of a talking book and my new coat on the floor beside me complete with Rangefinder camera ready for the off - it’s all very pleasant.
A review of the coat:
This is the genuine vintage article, not a bandit eBay copy, I believe it dates circa 1968 to 1974 and has Swedish Army Infantry badges to collar.
It has a substantial ‘wool’ lining, detachable, which is akin to another coat in its own right - I’ve never worn a coat that’s warmer !
Bullseye ~ Top of the Shop
Coats are special, the right coat for the right occasion is crucial. Coats and jackets are something I’m dreadfully picky about, I know exactly what I’m looking for and nothing else will do.
My black Pea Coat for example took me two years of searching to find just the right one.
So folks, that’s the latest instalment in my little world.
It’s time to get out, have a wander about a pray the avalanche of snow predicted arrives here in Lincolnshire, best check I’m ready to go out
Walking boots? Check !
Gloves? Check !
Sugar free lozenges ? Check !
Rangefinder camera ? Check !
Vindrock M59 ? Most definitely check !
Smug as a bug in rugly yours,
Rod
graham h said,
February 10, 2013 @ 11:26 am
Rod,
I have to say you have filled me with envy, that is a coat I would love to own. Can I be cheeky and ask where you got it from.
Regards,
Graham
v said,
February 10, 2013 @ 1:19 pm
I think that ’s a fantastic coat but what happened to the hat?
You are right to be picky about coats. A coat is usually the first impression that people have of ourselves before we speak even. They need careful thought to create the correct projection of ourselves for certain occasions.
I am also very choosey about coats and jackets. I looked for ages for my mustard duffle coat; no other shade would do. I waited until one happened my way when I wasn’t even looking for one.
I have the added advantage of matching coats with bags though. 16 bags and 43 scarves.
Rod said,
February 10, 2013 @ 3:26 pm
V,
I spared my brother from a hat - it pains him so
that’s a fine selection you have there V, well played, madam.
Best
Rod
graham h said,
February 10, 2013 @ 4:26 pm
Rod,
Yes it is mail order from an army surplus company. The description they have given is on par with the description you gave and they say it was known as the jeep coat.
I think I may take the chance and order one as it looks perfect for my days out with the camera and also my fishing. I will let you know when it arrives.
Graham
Rod said,
February 10, 2013 @ 4:40 pm
Graham,
great stuff - hope you like it
Best
Rod
Mick said,
February 11, 2013 @ 9:03 pm
You know when you’ve got a decent coat Rod, and I dare say that quality lasts and lasts… It looks good on you as well.
The sad thing about warmer weather is that you have to put these cherished items away in the closet for half the year, until the onset of the cold weather brings them out of hibernation once more !
The first REALLY decent Christmas present my missus got me 22 years ago was a B3 Shearling Bomber Jacket. It cost her a small fortune at the time, but when I look how much they cost nowadays it makes me balk ! I’ve expanded a little around the middle portion since then, but it still looks good on me and I wear it everywhere I go in this weather. If I had a fiver for each time that someone says “I love that jacket” (or words to that effect) - I think I may have been able to buy another one
Best regards,
Mick
minnie said,
February 11, 2013 @ 11:18 pm
Mick, couldnt agree more - wish I could still fit comfortably into my old Belstaff (but maybe a good incentive to ditch some of the extra weight) Wish even more that both myself and the bike were still roadworthy
Rod said,
February 12, 2013 @ 7:52 am
Mick,
a good quality coat or jacket will last a lifetime if looked after, your superb bomber jacket being a testament to that.
I also think that quality, albeit expensive, ends up being cheap in the long run
Regards,
Rod
veronica said,
February 12, 2013 @ 8:31 am
Keeping your quality clothes is a testament to yourself though, as a person.
If you chucked your coats on the hall floor when you got home, they would n’t last. As Rod says, if they are looked after, they will last. But many clothes are just throw- away clothes now; wear them once and twice and that’s it. Good clothes are an investment.
My best buy coat-wise is a little black jacket which I bought years ago in M and S! That jacket is timeless and has seen funerals, weddings, interviews and meetings. A selection of traditional brooches adorn the lapel depending on the occasion and with a lovely scarf. Classic
(We went out on New Year’s Eve and my husband wore an Icelandic Arran jumper that I knitted for him 24 years ago and people were coming up and commenting on it as if it were new ! )
Looby Lou said,
March 18, 2013 @ 4:34 pm
Rod.
I’m a coat addict and also a lover of literature.
Have you read The Overcoat by Gogol?
Brilliant article, has made me giggle no end…
Rod said,
March 18, 2013 @ 6:18 pm
LL,
you’re a woman of rare and refined taste - coats and literature, the very pillars of life here at Goldeneye Towers!
I’ve not read the Gogol book, but clearly I should, I’ll set about it.
Pleased the article made you smile LL, it’s done its job then
All the best
Rod