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The M-1951 Trigger Finger Mitten Shell is genuine U.S. military surplus cold-weather handwear developed for use in demanding winter conditions. Unlike a conventional mitten, the design separates the thumb and index finger from the remaining fingers, allowing greater dexterity while retaining the warmth and protection of a mitten. The outer shell has a leather palm and is intended to be worn with an insulating mitten insert.
The pattern is particularly associated with the Korean War era, when U.S. forces required effective cold-weather equipment for the severe Korean winters. Mitchells Adventure identifies these examples as genuine U.S. issue that were subsequently issued by the United States to South Korean forces during the 1950s.
Features
- Genuine U.S. military surplus
- M-1951 trigger-finger mitten shell pattern
- Separate thumb and index finger for improved dexterity
- Leather palm
- Mitten construction helps retain warmth around the remaining fingers
- Designed as part of a cold-weather handwear system
- Suitable for cold-weather outdoor activities
- Historically associated with U.S. forces and Korean War-era equipment
- Surplus examples may vary in colour, condition and minor construction details
History
The M-1951 trigger-finger mitten belongs to a family of U.S. military cold-weather handwear that evolved from earlier post-Second World War designs. U.S. military specifications formally identified “Mitten-Shells (Trigger Finger, M-1951)” under MIL-M-810B during the early 1950s. The specification was amended in October 1953, demonstrating that the M-1951 pattern was an established item within the U.S. military clothing system during this period.
The design addressed a practical problem with conventional mittens: warmth was retained around most of the hand while the separate index finger allowed the wearer to perform tasks requiring greater finger control. This was particularly relevant to military personnel operating weapons and equipment in cold conditions. Contemporary U.S. Army cold-weather doctrine included trigger-finger mitten shells with inserts as part of the cold-wet and cold-dry clothing systems.
The pattern is strongly connected with the Korean War period. Korean winters presented U.S. and allied forces with severe cold-weather conditions, making suitable hand protection an important part of the field clothing system. Surviving examples are commonly identified as Korean War-era equipment, and Mitchells Adventure records this particular surplus stock as having been issued by the United States to South Korean forces during the 1950s.
The trigger-finger concept continued well beyond the original M-1951 pattern. U.S. military specifications were subsequently revised for later trigger-finger mitten patterns, including the M-1965, demonstrating the longevity of the basic approach to cold-weather hand protection.
Specifications
Product Code: GLG008
Product Type: Mitten Shell, Trigger Finger
Pattern: M-1951
Country of Origin: United States military issue
Condition: Used
Construction: Mitten shell with separate thumb and index finger
Palm: Leather
As genuine military surplus, individual examples may show differences in colour, wear, markings and minor construction details. The M-1951 Trigger Finger Mitten Shell is an interesting piece of Korean War-era cold-weather equipment, combining the warmth of a mitten with the additional dexterity provided by its separated thumb and index finger. It is particularly suited to collectors of U.S. military equipment and those looking for historically styled cold-weather handwear.
MITTEN, SHELL, TRIGGER-FINGER - M-1951
Genuine U.S. issue. Leather palmed mitten sewn with separate thumb and index finger for maximum dexterity.
Issued by the US to South Korean Forces in the 1950's
Please note: as these are military surplus there may be some colour, quality and style variation to the image shown.