AUSCAM DPCU Trial Pattern?

Hi hello, i need help with this AUSCAM set gifted by Mr. Ken Conboy.

Based on my research (Wikipedia vs. Camopedia), Wikipedia says this was trialed in the '87s and introduced in the '89s, while Camopedia states it was trialed in 1980 and officially introduced in 1985.

Based on that, I think Camopedia is more accurate, after photographing the uniform, I was shocked that the shirt actually dated to 1980 and the pants to 1981 (very faded, but it's there).
So, I need the opinion of a subject expert on this matter: Could this be the trial run for this camouflage? Many thanks!

The shirt:





Pants:

The shirt I think is dated 1989, any sets before 1989 are labeled AGCF (Australian Government Clothing Factory), ADI 1989 onwards.
The 1988 AGCF set is the earliest general issue set I have seen, uncommon. I have seen a handfull only.

The 1981/82/83 Trial set is totally different construction, colours and material.

Martin wrote:The shirt I think is dated 1989, any sets before 1989 are labeled AGCF (Australian Government Clothing Factory), ADI 1989 onwards.
The 1988 AGCF set is the earliest general issue set I have seen, uncommon. I have seen a handfull only.

The 1981/82/83 Trial set is totally different construction, colours and material.

Hi Martin, many thanks for the comprehensive information. well noted for the shirt. As for the pants, is it from the 81s?

No problem, pants could be from 1988 onwards, definitely not 1981 (1981/82/83 is different construction, colours and fabric).

I think they are maybe 1989 or 1991... I remember seeing or might have a pair with those weird brown buttons, normally the buttons are green like on the earlier jungle green uniforms but there were some odd production runs like these brown buttons and also a version of the shirt with very small green buttons. I think those trousers are pre-1992 as I think in 1992 the added a back pocket. My bet is 1991 with the second 9 looking like a 1?

Above are all tags from DPCU trousers

This tag is from a pair of jungle green 1987 trousers

I don't have any trial pattern tags on hand but you can see one here: https://iacmc.forumotion.com/t7845-australian-1981-issued-dpcu-shirt

I have a 1987 DPCU bush hat, so it is possible your trousers could be 1987

But the length of the tag on your trousers (ie long rectangle rather than a shorter square tag) indicates 1989 onwards.

Martin wrote:But the length of the tag on your trousers (ie long rectangle rather than a shorter square tag) indicates 1989 onwards.

Hi Martin, I cant thank you enough for the clear explanation. Many many thanks!
now I have seen the trial piece, mine is definitely from 87s

Here is my set of 1982 dated AUSCAM trials jacket and trousers, you'll note the jacket is cut more like a US Tropical Combat Coat/jungle jacket with four pockets, the upper two slanted, and a large left sleeve pocket, and the trousers lack the typical button-down belt loops, instead having a pair of US BDU-type waist buckle cinches and a single rear pocket.
Despite their trials status, they continued to be worn throughout the 80's and I have seen photos of them still being worn until at least 1999 on UN PKOs, well after DPCU was adopted for general use in 1987 or '88 (though larger production doesn't seem to have started until '89).
In 1990 the straight pocket shirt was changed to a slanted pocket, and around '91 or '92 the left sleeve pocket was returned though much narrower with an exposed button, while on the trials jacket the sleeve pocket was very wide and had a covered button.
Also keep an eye out in photos for the slanted pockets; even if the lower torso is covered, if you can see central pleats in the slanted chest pockets then it's a trials jacket; the slant pocket shirt adopted in 1990 did not have pocket pleats.











I'm still hunting for a matching shirt, but here's an NOS 1988 pair of trousers still with factory paper label in the cut that was adopted for general use, note the button-down belt loops, button waist adjusters, and lack of a rear pocket.
The leg cargo pockets of the trials trousers had double BDU style pleats and bellowed very wide, while these general issue trousers have no pleats and do not bellow nearly as large as the trials trousers.