Tan Water Jump Smock

[John Hodgin]

Here is another for discussion, eagle sewn to a tan water jump smock.

[SMP]

OK John,
I've looked at it several times hoping someone else would comment first, but nobody seems to want to.
So tell me.. I'm sure you have an opinion. All I will say is that if it is a real one it looks like it's been washed to death . What type of material is the eagle's background, I can't tell from here.
Show us the whole smock ( including zips and snaps ) and I'll tell you what I think.
Come on someone .

Regards,
Steve

[Jos L C]

I've seen these thick,bulky eagles as originals..they look odd..
On the other hand it's not hard to copy these for they still look odd then...
It's hard to say without any provenance....

If it's good it's good,if fake it's fake..that easy...
It has a bit of concerns though.....

JOHN...,the solution !!!

And be quick before your scissors goes through that smock for the 67th time..

Jos.

[John Hodgin]

Hello Steve and Jos,

Let's wait a bit longer until we get more comments. The owner is going to send me more photos of the smock, when he does I'll post them here.

Jos, you are correct, some of the "bulky" eagles are good. I was given one by a US veteran when I was about eleven years old; but the wings were not like this one's.

Ciao
JH

[Willi Z.]

Some of the HBT backed eagles are thicker than others..some have that funny glue on them. The repros (HBT eagles) are relatively easy to spot.

On this smock......well, I have NEVER seen a HBT backed eagle original to a FJ smock. Always something new to learn though..... A look inside the pocket of this one will easily solve the matter.

As for this eagle, all the ones I have seen (as they are late-war) have the eagle in more of a grayer color than this one in white.

Willi

[Willi Z.]

Here is a photo of the pattern of a repro water pattern smock made by S&M.

Willi

[John Hodgin]

Smock

[John Hodgin]

Holster detail.

[John Hodgin]

marking.

[John Hodgin]

Rank.

[John Hodgin]

'Tail.'

[John Hodgin]

Cuff.

[John Hodgin]

Collar.

[Willi Z.]

Those photos confirm it......first run of the water pattern smocks made by S&M Wholesale out in Ca. They sold for $325 when they came out in 1998, or so. The second run came out with a white interior. Used for re-enacting. I have the exact one.

Willi

[John Hodgin]

Yes Willi, I feel bad for the owner and hope he is able to return it. Here is the "icing," ...post war stocko snaps.