Belgian 'Jigsaw' pattern combat jacket

just got that jacket but its denim for some reason. Do you anything about it?

The Belgians made a ton of different Denison style smocks over the years, plus the earlier 1958 canvas type material jacket (two models of that style). The material changed over time as did the details. Now all Belgian soldier wear the same uniforms, therefore Denison style smocks are no longer issued. Technically they aren't even supposed to be worn, even by Para/Commandos.

I did a quick count and it appears I have 4 different types of Jigsaw smocks. I've had probably 10 or so over the years, and only kept unique examples. The Belgians tended to make periodic purchases instead of regular annual purchases. Better pricing that way. I'm sure there are more variants out there that I haven't got a hold of yet.

The Belgians are very nice people when it comes to dating things. Unless a tag is missing there should be a date to know where a particular variant fits into the big picture.

Steve

yeah it says 1989 on the back of the tag

Nice smock! I've got a newer one in this pattern myself.

filupe wrote:

This particular type and pattern was exclusively issued to Para-Commando units between the early 80's and mid 90's when all army units moved to the current cammo uniforms.
Before that, all non-para units wore plain green fatigues.
In certain recon/recce platoons in Infantry and Armor units the wear of cammo was tolerated, but none was issued. It was up to the individual to procure it.

You would however sometimes see individual non-paras wear them when assigned to e.g. NATO's AMF staff positions to "blend in" when on exercise or parades with assigned Para-Commando units...
The practice was never accepted or tolerated by the Paras and caused the occasional verbal and physical agression.