I can’t take any credit for the above title/description. I’ve recently been searching for information about a camouflage parka I’ve had for many decades, and came across an individual on several sites to which I do not belong, who uses the name of “Steve” as part of his moniker. From what I’ve read, “Steve” seems quite knowledgeable with early Austrian camo and I hope he sees this if he’s a member here and will comment in detail. Therefore, although I am posting, my description of this parka is truly based on his explanations I’ve located, and hope that if there is an error, it is my own misunderstanding of what he has already written in various forums.

This Austrian “pea dot” parka was manufactured in quantity in 1959 (although some were made in 1958) and is considered “transitional” in terms of how short of timespan they were made and “has some features of the KAZ57, but also some of KAZ59.”

This example has the ghosting (pics outside & inside) of what was a small cloth nameplate (measuring 6cmx1.5cm). “Steve” states nameplates were “very rarely worn” (on the parkas), but if so, “on the front of the uniform over the left breast pocket.”

Without getting into the weeds, and failing to comprehensively explain pre-transitional and post-transitional parkas of this type, I can only stick with my example and hope someone who is fully educated in these can chime in.

I believe the parkas made prior to this had foliage loops on the upper chest and (I believe) did not have epaulettes.

The parkas made after the transitional period had covered buttons and no substantial amount of snaps, as the only buttons in the “transitional” are located inside the lower pockets and the two interior chest pockets.

An additional feature on the transitional was that of a tailpiece which could be left snapped to the inside lower portion of the parka or snapped to the front between the legs, essentially creating leg holes. From information I have found, this is not an airborne piece; it is only to secure the parka to keep it from potentially “riding up” when the soldier was equipped with their gear.

Having issues this evening loading additional pics…will post more in pieces.