Mint splinter step-in smock !

[SMP]

Minty, or stored in a vaccum, have nothing to do with authenticity! Most of the tan, tropical jump smocks are stone mint and look as though they were made yesterday. Their prym snaps are so new they look chrome plated and polished.

The clear problem is this looks more like an M38. M38s were not made in splinter, sooooooooooo.

M40s, that were made in green and in splinter, and were used on Crete, have features this smock is lacking.

Frighteningly good repro pattern though!!!!

Thanks John,
I knew I could count on you !
For the record I never said it was an original. This is the repro step-in that Bob was talking about in the other thread. I was shown it straight after examining a real step-in splinter and the detailing was impressive. FYI John, this smock does have the chest pleats of an M40 but they are not very obvious. I mentioned this to Bob when we were examining it together. I will let Bob explain about how this smock was made and who made it. The maker has obviously had contact with a real step-in and should be congratulated on his skill.
Over to you Bob !

Regards,
Steve

[Willi Z.]

Steve, I read the thread title and my heart skipped a beat.........

[FJR6]

Hello,
I'm pretty positive that this is one of Tom Gulliver's custom smocks. The material looks like the splinter he had printed up for his repro items or the older ATF material.
Didn't we say somewhere that Tom is doing a real good job?

best regards,
Volker

[uwezankl]

FJ step in smock...

Hi Volker

Who is Tom Gulliver? Seems like the kind of guy we should go shopping at! I will give you a ring later...

cheers
Uwe

[ENGLISH BOB]

HI Guys
Firstly thanks to Steve for posting this Smock for everyone to see.
Yes this smock was made by Tom Gulliver here in the U.K.,it is one of only 2 stepin's that he has made,all the others produced are 2nd pattern splinter stepin conversions,obviously he makes the skirt the same as a third pattern smock.
All these smocks have been produced for the re-enactment market,with most going to FJR6 a group which Tom formed back in the 1970's and now FJR2,as he is now a member of this Group.
He spent a lot of time and money to get the pattern right and was present at the factory when it was being printed to make sure the job was done correctly,Werner the colour is spot on,Steve your comments on the colour please as you have seen it in the Flesh.
This smock is fitted with new made RiRi zippers,the other one is fitted with original wwii zipps. All he's smocks have Kane or Stocko branded snaps,so that should'nt cause anyone a problem.
I asked Tom about ATF smocks as i thought that looked a good smock for re-enactment,he said they were only half splinter B the rest of the pattern being made up.
Tom is not making anymore smocks at present,due to work his commitments,he is a great guy to know,his only aim is to make us look as authentic in the field as is possible.
John glad you liked the pattern,if its frightening then it means we are doing justice to the men we try to portray.
All the very Best
Bob

[On-to-Berlin]

This is really a great smock. But what about other sources for repros like that? ATF stopped their production so what alternatives are there? I think of getting into Fallschirmjäger reenacting but don`t want to wear Sturm ones.
Fabian

HI Guys
Firstly thanks to Steve for posting this Smock for everyone to see.
Yes this smock was made by Tom Gulliver here in the U.K.,it is one of only 2 stepin's that he has made,all the others produced are 2nd pattern splinter stepin conversions,obviously he makes the skirt the same as a third pattern smock.
All these smocks have been produced for the re-enactment market,with most going to FJR6 a group which Tom formed back in the 1970's and now FJR2,as he is now a member of this Group.
He spent a lot of time and money to get the pattern right and was present at the factory when it was being printed to make sure the job was done correctly,Werner the colour is spot on,Steve your comments on the colour please as you have seen it in the Flesh.
This smock is fitted with new made RiRi zippers,the other one is fitted with original wwii zipps. All he's smocks have Kane or Stocko branded snaps,so that should'nt cause anyone a problem.
I asked Tom about ATF smocks as i thought that looked a good smock for re-enactment,he said they were only half splinter B the rest of the pattern being made up.
Tom is not making anymore smocks at present,due to work his commitments,he is a great guy to know,his only aim is to make us look as authentic in the field as is possible.
John glad you liked the pattern,if its frightening then it means we are doing justice to the men we try to portray.
All the very Best
Bob

[Ardennes]

Great looking smock!


Fabian - ATF hasn't stopped their production for good, their just out and are waiting for the sturm ones to pass. IMO, the last run that ATF carried (made by SM Wholesale) were not that good - the pattern was certainly 'off'. Lost Battalions has some of their older versions available which aren't too bad...that leaves Gmax and the fellow here as you other options.

[John Hodgin]

In ten years, these may be in collections, all faded with corroded snaps and zipps, as authentic.

The fact is, un-converted splinter step in smocks are ultra rare. For example, I have a friend who has collected all his life, has had a tropical smock and several green M-38s. He was never able to acquire a decent (un-converted) splinter step in.

[ENGLISH BOB]

Hello John,

would you say this is the best repro smock you have seen on the market so far?
Regards
Bob

[John Hodgin]

Yes Bob, very well done, among the best. That's why I fear they may someday be regarded as authentic.

Years ago, I saw a few superb repros, but they were not massed produced. Many had real breast eagles. I think they were made on a small scale, by a craftsman/crook wanting a fast buck. Haven't seen them since, assume they are in collections. Their details were very accurate.

[ENGLISH BOB]

Thanks John ,
I think Tom has made about 150 smocks in this material,though there is only 2 stepins,i'm glad i own one of them ,the other 1 lives about 2 miles from me.
Nearly all members in FJR2 own at least one of his smocks,some 2 .
The first question asked by Group members when he arrives at an event is "are you making Smocks?" they are that sort after.
When Steve examined the smock at Beltring he said in 5yrs with plenty of use in re-enactment this would be a Dangerous smock on the collectors market,there is a particular makers name stamped on these smocks,i can post it here what do you think?
Regards
Bob

[John Hodgin]

Hi again Bob,

What were Steve's thoughts on the name? Perhaps you should PM me first.

[BobI]

What is an original 3rd pattern splinter pattern smock worth these days? I just bought one from a collector who only bought from vets
Thanks!
Bob

[ENGLISH BOB]

Hello John,

to be honest i can't remember.
i will PM you the details.
Cheers
Bob

[blackadder]

hee !

great smock it is !!

does this Tom Gulliver's have a internet site or did he quit with making those ?
he has done a fantastic job. i have a zumpftarn reprosmock my self but it looks like sh*t
i'm building my FJ now but the helmet is only the bluse is original, the trousers as well but these are no fallschirmjager trousers the shoes and the gamaschen ar also original bus no jumpboots as you al can see !
the smock is for sale by the way but who would be intresseted

gr niels