ADRO "Urban" Pattern

Wish I could say I had a set to post, but sadly I don't.

I have personally only seen 2 pieces in this pattern, but know there are more out there. Does anyone have any information on this pattern? I have a few questions about it... When was it made? Was it purely commercial or was it ever used by police or the military? Is it still in circulation and if so, how hard would it be to track down a set?

I've tried researching the manufacturer based on the info I've gathered from photos of the tags, but have turned up next to nothing.

Could any of our members who are more knowledgeable in African militaria help shed some light on the subject? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Ben

Hi Ben,

The South African produced two-tone "urban" camouflage was a purely commercial pattern produced for export. Anyone who says this pattern saw official use with SA forces is trying to sell you a story. The SADF, SAP, SARP, etc. never used this pattern. I've heard from a few South African sources that this pattern was available for civilian sale within SA as the "urban" colors weren't prohibited. Remember, during the 70's and 80's private possession of camouflage in South Africa was illegal. Since this pattern wasn't in Earth tones of greens and browns, it was exempt. In the US, this pattern saw limited availability from places like US Cavalry and Brigade Quartermasters during the late 80's. I remember some surplus shops still had stocks of this for sale during the early 90's, but that was the last time it was readily available.

It was manufactured by Adder, Adro and Robar Fashions. None of these companies exist anymore. In fact, Adder and Adro were front companies for legitimate SADF contractors, and were basically set up as an export division. As most are aware, these "companies" also produced the Rhodesian camo copy uniforms. There were also a few commercial copies of Recce webbing produced that were marketed under these names as well. With the end of the Border War in 1989, and the resultant draw-down of the South African military industrial complex, production of these commercial patterns ceased.

Anymore, about the only place where you will find these items for sale is eBay. You might get lucky with an older surplus shop, but that will be a freak chance. Most of my items came from eBay over the years. Usually there are a handful of items in this pattern available throughout the year.

There were several items made from this fabric, to include a bush jacket, shirt, trousers, bush hat, shorts, and a T-shirt.

Here's a few examles to feast your eyes on.

Hope this helps!

Mike

I've had probably 10 pieces of this stuff go through my hands over the years. They cover the three companies that Mike mentioned. What Mike didn't mention (shame on him ) is there is quite a variety in colors between the different companies and/or production runs. No idea if it's one, the other, or both. Sometimes the colors tended more towards gray than purple. Mike, as you can see, has a beautiful bunch of similar colored stuff. Not a surprise given Mike's area of interest I personally got rid of all my stuff as I only collect genuine issue and/or semi-official.

Steve

Thanks for the info, Mike & Steve!

I was not aware that hats, t-shirts and shorts were made in this pattern, I only knew of the smock, trousers and shirt. The day's not wasted, I learned something! The two pieces I have seen were both smocks, made by Adder & Adro, respectively. I stupidly passed on them, unsure of their origins or authenticity. But I like the pattern and have been beating myself up for passing them up ever since. Mike, you wouldn't happen to have some spares would you?

The jackets appear to be the most common item to see, the rest are much harder to track down. I've never seen the bush hat, but I did have a T-Shirt.

Steve

Shame on me indeed.... I've never noticed too much of a difference in the colors, except for real minor shade differences, most likely from different fabric lots. Clearly, when washed, they tend to take on a more gray appearance, and lose the purple tone.

All these items are very well made, and worth owning. Same with the Rhodesian pattern copies. The material is a heavy cotton, and they are well assembled. The field jackets are real nice, and worth tracking one down. Steve is right that the jackets seem the most common, but I've seen my fair share of shirts and trousers.

Currently I don't have any extras for trade, but I'll keep an eye out for you. I think I know of a bush hat that's available if you're interested.

Cheers,

Mike

Ha..I had a set of those

I had the smock, bout 1985. Interesting back story. Bought it from the shopkeeper in the village, along with a Gerber Guardian MKii. Came home from college one day in 86 to be told it had been an exciting day in the village. Special Branch had come in, sealed off all the roads, gone in to the shop and arrested *******, and came out with quite a few m16's, greande's etc. Turns out they had to leave Rhodesia leaving all their assets, and he'd been planning to assasinate mugabe

BTW, I remember seeing Fish from Marillion wearing one in one of their videos. That shows my age!

seithenyn wrote:Turns out they had to leave Rhodesia leaving all their assets, and he'd been planning to assasinate mugabe

... and the problem with that is??

Getting back on topic, I remember these as well - I reckon I've got an old US Cav catalogue with these in them - I'll scan it when I come across it again.

It's roots to DPM are unmistakable and it could even be a urban version of the Sparse Desert DPM the Brits would field some years later.

Interesting read, just picked up a XL jacket in the pattern. Now to track down some pants.

I seem to rember in the mid to late 80,s a company here in the UK called Coxy's selling this pattern and Rhodesian anoung others allways meant to get some of the Rhodie stuff as they did an SAS pattern pullover smock in that I now regret not doing so, allso I have seen a hooded smock in the Adder urban as well

I remember seeing this stuff in outdoor\camping shops. Was never issue as far as i know.

Hi
I have a shirt and trousers in the pattern, made by ADRO and would be interested in moving them on.

Nice cap!  And some great photos as well.

However, the pattern of your cap, and that in the AWB photos, is not the same as the Adder/Adro commercial pattern.  The urban pattern of your cap, and the standard AWB desert camo, are three color patterns, whereas the commercial pattern in this thread is a two color pattern.

I'm sure it's possible that AWB members may have procurred this Adder/Adro pattern, and some diligent searching could probably turn up a photo of such.  However, it is not the standard camo pattern attributed to them.

The patterns are similar, just not the same.

Did I mention that's a nice cap?   

Cheers,

Mike

Hallo Mike,

I've double-checked my cap and an Adder smock that I have and you're right: they're different. Thanks for you making note the difference and for the compliments on the cap

Cheers,

Mariano.