SS Smock

[Stepdale]

Hello All,
I would like to get your opinions on this SS smock. Also, is it Oak A or B pattern (I have the book, but my old eyes can't tell the difference). It's in excellent shape, looks barely worn, though the drawstring from the chest and waist are missing and all of the straps for holding foliage have been removed. All four pocket buttons appear to be original with all of their paint, and each is marked WH Wien.
Thank you,
Dale

[Stepdale]

a

[Stepdale]

b

[Stepdale]

d

[Gran Sasso]

Also, is it Oak A or B pattern

Its Oak A, original material - but the construction...

[Stepdale]

e

[Stepdale]

f

[Fritz]

Its Oak A, original material - but the construction...

Yes, original material, fake smock.

[besslein]

in my opinion this is a nice original smock,the construction is unknow for many collectors,but i know abaut another two in this cut both with 1000% know origin
nice and rare smock

[besslein]

another one in the same cut but hbt cloth,this one was used by polish upspring soldier in Warsaw 1944

[Fritz]

in my opinion this is a nice original smock,the construction is unknow for many collectors,but i know abaut another two in this cut both with 1000% know origin
nice and rare smock

IMO there are more issues with it than just the "variant".


Cheers

Fritz

[Stepdale]

Sorry not to reply this earlier, but got wrapped up at work and haven't had much of a chance for the forum since posting.

I'm certainly no SS smock expert, but I tend to go with Besslein on this one. I can't speak to whatever construction issues Fritz and Gran Sasso have, but my wife, a professional seamstress with many years experience in collecting antique European clothing and making military gear for reenactors, has gone over this thoroughly and found no issues with the materials used in making it nor any signs of artificial aging. The thread is all old and of natural material, the thread aging matches the age and wear of the material underneath and around it, and the elastic in the wrist area makes a distinctive sound when stretched, which is characteristic of aged elastic. Additionally, the camo material on the interior of the pocket flaps and interior of the pockets is not as faded as the other material around it on the summer side, though on the autumn side there is little to no difference, indicating it was primarily worn with the summer side out. To make a long story short, there is every indication that the garment has been this way for a long time and not recently manufactured from original material and then artificially aged.

OK, enough of my defense, I'd really appreciate more input on this. I know it may not be "by the book," but then I've dug a lot of stuff out of the wood work (as I did this smock) and found that it's not that uncommon for things to not quite match what are cited as the models to follow. Not saying one shouldn't analyze the object (certainly one should), but it can't be a one size fits all approach.
Dale

[Felix]

Looks pretty convincing but the back and front mid seam is not what one would like to see. Especially as this on has folded over edges on the sleeve mouths. The draw string holes are not done in a correct way either.

I would stay away from this smock if offered to me.

However I would of course listen more to the experienced camo experts as Fritz. Camo is not really my field. However I think I have done a few valid observations.

//Felix

[kammo man]

This is a border line piece .
I would like to "handle " it before casting a yea or nea .
owen

[Dr. Strangelove]

Votes?

This is a border line piece .
I would like to "handle " it before casting a yea or nea .
owen

Oh, now you cast "Votes", I thought you revolutionary types only cast Cocktails of the Ambassador Molotov variety. Nice to see you have matured.......er...