I'm stumped - thoughts on unusual Denison smock please....

[tubist73]

I have had this smock for several years now - took a gamble based on two small, blurry photos (I know, I know) and ended up with this. Ever since, I have been unable to work out exactly what I bought. After many searches in books, online and comparing it to my only two original smocks I need your help. Fortunately, I didn't pay much for it.

The smock has elements of both first and second pattern Denisons. It seems to be in its original configuration, with little wear and no apparent modifications. If it is a reproduction, I cannot see how they made such basic mistakes mixing up the two models. First, views of the front and back.

[tubist73]

Next, views of the knitted cuffs. These seem to be original to the smock.

[tubist73]

Now the zip and underarm air vents.

[tubist73]

The snaps are definitely not Newey - they are stamped PRYM! Now I am confused.

[tubist73]

Next the lined collar and the wing. I'm guessing the collar label has been removed for the wrong reasons.....

[tubist73]

Here is a shot of the inside material and the underarm again. The inside material is quite thick and heavy making this smock bulkier than the originals I have held.

[JackVee]

Sorry to say but this is a repro.... Wrong colour, wrong material of the smock and knits, wrong zip, wrong press studs, underarm ventholes (looks like buttonholes) and as you say wrong features.

There are many bad repros for sale and this is one of them

Hope you didn't pay too much

[tubist73]

And finally a couple of shots of the label. Although it is feint, I can read size 6 or 8 in the middle (the smock is very large). I think the date at the bottom reads 1943 or '44 but I really don't believe this to be an original date for the smock. If this is a repro maybe someone can identify the maker from the design of the label?

Your thoughts please.....

[Bond]

Whilst not really being up on smocks, it is strange it has very little wear, but the label is almost completely washed out. Are PRYM snaps those found on FJ smocks?

Jerry

[tubist73]

Hi Jerry,

PRYM snaps are those found on many items of German gear, but the quality of these does not seem as good. Overall, the quality of materials and stitching on the smock seem very good - the snaps are the exception.

Matthew

[lnijherald]

I might be wrong, but isn't this from one of the Dominions?

Luc

[tubist73]

Hi Luc,

Do you have any particular place in mind? I have already looked up Indian and Pakistani airborne smocks but can't find any matches. Their modern clothing is obviously different but I haven't had much luck finding WW2 or just post-war examples.

I must admit that my gut feeling tells me this smock was made to be used, and is therefore an amalgamation of various British designs, rather than a repro smock designed to merely convince someone. The quality seems too sturdy and the design seems too mixed up for it to fool anyone as a real wartime Denison. Just a hunch.

Matthew

[lnijherald]

Matthew, I have seen post-war Australian smocks but they didn't have a camo pattern. But I remember reading about Rhodesian or South African smocks somewhere that were similar to British smocks... Will try to find the info again.
I agree it looks too well made and different from a wartime Denison to be a replica.

Luc

[tubist73]

Thanks Luc,

My own reference materials are a bit lacking when it comes to obscure airborne gear.

Matthew

[kammo man]

REPO smock .


owen