A few smocks

This bit of the forum's been quiet for a few days, so here are some bits of mine to relieve the monotony. Nothing you haven't already seen but it's always nice to see new examples.

First a 68 patt smock, seemingly never issued, with the earlier 8405 NSN. I got one of these just before leaving the TA in 1974, I can't recall what size but I don't remember it burying me like this size 8 does now:

Heading backward timewise, here is a 60 pattern smock in DPM. This size 8 is a perfect fit, though I don't wear it and it stays in the wardrobe. It's nearly identical in colour scheme to my 68 smock. I don't think the TA ever got these; I certainly never saw one.

This is the type I was issued with in 1972. It's a size 8 OG 60 pattern in near-perfect condition. This one's also a perfect fit - what happened to the sizing in the 68 pattern? I have no idea what size I wore at the time as then I had no interest beyond whether it was comfortable and did the job, but I suspect it would have been a 7 as I've filled out somewhat since then. Sorry about the not very good photos btw.

Here's an earlier 60 patt, with the square elbow reinforcement. This one is a size 9 which just about fits me though with the notorious tightness under the arms. It is in very clean condition even though the label's a bit faded.

This is one I actually wear out and about, in pretty good order but not quite as good as the others, plus it was cheap enough that I feel I can afford to. It's a later size 8, but the sizing seems subtly different to the other two as it feels very slightly longer in the arms and body, and it's a bit less forgiving than they are of the extra weight I carry these days.

Finally (for now), this is pure self-indulgence: a 1959 pattern Denison. I wanted one of these ever since visiting my local surplus store in about 1970, seeing a whole rack of these in mint condition and not having the money for one. I forgot about that for a long time but once I started acquiring later smocks, I thought I may as well go all the way. This is not mint but it's 8/10. I don't know what the purpose of the pink and blue label is as you can't use it to hang it up, but it looks as if it's been properly put in.

I'm now after mint or near-mint examples of the other prints of 59 Denisons, size immaterial. This is possibly not the ideal time to be starting out, but then we don't find the quest, it finds us....

Great smocks! That P60 smock is amazing. Great colours given its age.

Yes, it's been used but only lightly. There were a couple of 1969 German coins in the pocket so I assume the original owner was BAOR.

Another Denison, dated 1948 but otherwise identical to the company's production in WW2. I have seen a couple of 1948 labels altered to look like 1943 - there's one for sale in Holland right now - but luckily the round top of the 8 is a giveaway, as the 3 elsewhere on the label has a flat top.

A cheap Denison. Spotted this recently in a vintage clothing store for £80...

Holly crap! That's a great bunch of denisons. Nice to see them side by side.

Steve

That " cheap " Dennison is absolutely beautiful,

Love all the olive color pieces, and am equally impressed with the rest...

Thanks for posting..

rip....

Thanks for the  positive comments guys! BTW I've just realised that this board sometimes crops photos, and the whole smock is visible if you click on the image.

[Hey Steve, so you also knew Holly Crap! A lovely girl but a bit wild for me...]

Great collection, and a pleasant change from contemporary combat jackets  

Edward53 wrote:[Hey Steve, so you also knew Holly Crap! A lovely girl but a bit wild for me...]

Heh... spell check can't correct for everything, can it?

Steve

Smock sateen in Size 8. This rarity is a recent ebay score that came in at a very reasonable price. I took a chance on the poor photos and it turned out to be much nicer than it looked, tho it did stink (almost cured by a gentle wash and soaking in dilute vinegar solution). I can't tell the date but think it is either 53 or 55.

Are those OD smocks really warmer as the modern ones issued today?
(thicker, or lined or so?)

because on the label it states "for cold weather" ?

Bert353 wrote:Are those OD smocks really warmer as the modern ones issued today?
(thicker, or lined or so?)

because on the label it states "for cold weather" ?

Much, they are made of a heavy cotton material and fully line with sateen or poplin, unlike the current issue smocks they really do keep the wind out. In comparison to todays kit wearing one of those is like the equivalent of wearing your thermal shirt, combat t-shirt, lightweight combat jacket (shirt) and smock windproof.

Edit to add; Although if it gets soaked through it takes quite a while longer to dry out, which may or may not effect how warm you feel in it depending on where you are and what your doing.