LITHUANIAN DESERT CAMOUFLAGES

Thanks for the update! Steve's example at the top of this thread is a puzzler. It looks factory made and I know of no fakes, so I'm presuming it is official in some way even if it was a one off. Single button exposed pockets vs. double button hidden pockets is definitely less expensive to make, so that's probably a clue.

Steve

The mystery continues, Steve...

JD has an early " pink " blouse with exposed single button which he posted on OEF/OIF .

It is almost identical to Steve's example.  Only difference I can discern from the photo is the rank tab.
While Steve's example has a simple velcro patch like the later " pinks", JD's  has a tab with velcro that is identical to the tabs on the "yellow " types..  

Additionally, Gilles, has posted a " pink " blouse with concealed buttons but with the same rank tab as the " yellow " types..



I suppose this shows the evolution of this uniform, and assume JD's blouse predates Steve's..


S

These are the models i have in order of age i believe.

And now a second example of the exposed button type.  Nice, but still confusing!

It seems very odd that they would swerve from their Soviet era traditional lower pocket style and go right back to it again.  Having said that, the Estonians did something similar in 2006.  One run of uniforms with exposed buttons, then back to covered.

OK so it seems we have two basic uniforms and two color patterns:

First Model = slant chest pockets, hidden buttons, rank velcro on a chest epaulet
Second Model = vertical chest pockets, hidden buttons, rank velcro sewn directly to the jacket front

First Pattern = 4 color desert "shatter"
Second Pattern = 3 color desert "shatter"

For the most part First Model and First Pattern go together, Second Model and Second Pattern go together.  However, there are several sub variants. It seems to me we've identified the following:

Second Model, First Pattern, Hidden Buttons, Rank Epaulet as First Model
Second Model, Second Pattern, Hidden Buttons, Rank Epaulet as First Model
Second Model, Second Pattern, Exposed Buttons, Rank Epaulet as First Model
Second Model, Second Pattern, Exposed Buttons, Rank Velcro as Second Model

Info from a soldier issued Second Model/First Pattern said it was an expedient to use up existing stocks of First Pattern cloth.  The exposed buttons and style of rank display are probably early production variations.

That look right?

Steve

Here's a dated picture of a soldier with Second Model, Second Pattern, Hidden Buttons, Rank Epaulet.  It is dated 2003, so this variant is no later than this date. The bottom part is Gilles' uniform:




Steve

Thanks JD ; the photos are appreciated.

Looks like you have 3 different yellow pattern smocks and a parka in the same pattern.

I have not  seen one with those zippers.          


                                                   


The 2 pattern blouse ( pink ) is quite intriguing as it has some unique features; most likely, it is an earlier version.  Very nice.

Gille's 2 pattern blouse is also different.  Looks like it has first pattern ( second type ) chest  zippers pulls *, rank tab/epaulette , and no sleeve pockets.
I would say it is probably an earlier type than JD's regardless of  the concealed double buttons.  Possibly different  contractors produced slight variations.

There are some 4 versions of the woodland types;  desert types have evolved as well..

Steve.  Looks like you have pretty much nailed it..  Good reference photo as well.


This  is probably the latest version.  And yes, there are differences.


                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                           



Last but not least: a great photo of the yellow in use by Lithuanian forces participating in a Danish led rotation to Iraq


                                                                                                                           




* early zipper pulls look like they would break easily under sustained use, but they do have character..



S

Sheesh!  There are a lot of variants out there.  No arm pockets!  Cripes, I missed that.  Which caused me to look through my pictures again and I found another variant.  Here is a new summary:

Second Model, First Pattern, Hidden Buttons, Rank Epaulet as First Model, Arm Pockets
Second Model, Second Pattern, Exposed Buttons, Rank Epaulet as First Model, Arm Pockets
Second Model, Second Pattern, Exposed Buttons, Rank Velcro as Second Model, Arm Pockets
Second Model, Second Pattern, Hidden Buttons, Rank Epaulet as First Model, Arm Pockets
Second Model, Second Pattern, Hidden Buttons, Rank Epaulet as First Model, No Arm Pockets
Second Model, Second Pattern, Hidden Buttons, Rank Velcro as Second Model, No Arm Pockets

Interesting to note that there is a woodland Shatter jacket and parka without arm pockets, which is consistent with the desert version without arm pockets.

The zipper pull types appear to be all over the map!  The 2nd Model 1st Pattern jacket I have has the normal pulls and not the big rounded ones like in the above picture.  However, my 2nd Model 2nd Pattern jacket has the big rounded pulls!

Steve

Looks like there are more desert variants than woodland variants...

Differences are mostly minor, but they are obvious; some mimic the changes in the woodland types, some not.

Seems that for a time, the Lithuania rocker and flag was moved to the right  shoulder, but are now back on the  left  side ( at least for the desert types ).

                                                                                             


                                                                                               



                                                                                                


                                                                                               

                                                             





This is most likely the latest type of desert uniform with  large velcro panels on shoulder pockets.  Chest pockets seems to have remained as per usual on desert patterns while the latest woodland pattern have slanted chest pockets


                                                                                              




Also found evidence of an exposed lower pocket button second pattern blouse in use.



                                                                                                               


S

Very interesting.... I think I never saw the exposed button  desert blouse before.

Alex,

First photo I've seen of the exposed button variant in use.


This set is from 2012 and has minor differences ; most obvious is the flag and Lithuania Rocker on left side and added zipper pulls.  Trousers also have some minor differences .



                                                                                            


                                                                                            


                                                                                            


                                                                                            

                                                                                           

                                                                                            


   This blouse is an earlier variant from different manufacturer.  


                                                                                            


                                                                                            



 S

It looks like one of the major manufacturing differences is the velcro backing now comes standard as opposed to the earlier practice of soldiers applying their own. Interesting they standardized the "LITHUANIA" arc on the right shoulder vs. their long standing use of the left shoulder.

Steve

Here is another variant with velcro backing for flag and Lithuania rocker on the left and  factory zipper pulls..  The labels on this one and the 2012 model I posted are sown into  inside lateral seam ; an extra button is sown into each label.

                                                           



                                                                 



I'm fairly certain the flag and Lithuania rocker are now back on the left side, at least on current desert uniforms ,although latest photos of the new pattern in use shows them to be on the right.  
Will be interesting to see if they remain there.





                                                           






S

Holy crow Rip! No wonder Lithuania changed its regulations to stop foreigners from buying their uniforms. Somewhere in Lithuania there's a battalion wondering why you have all their uniforms

Steve

Managed to find trousers to complete this 1st patter/2nd type uniform.


                                                                         





   

And a spare...

                                         

Nicely done!

Heh... I think i was bidding on those trousers you got last month. If so, I'm sorry for punching up the price

Steve

It's not everyday that lone trousers in this pattern show up....

No problem, $47.00 was not so bad ..

Yeah, that was a steal. I only put in a minimal bid because I don't need yet another orphan trouser to eventually get rid of. Yet I LOVE this pattern, so I could not resist. Glad they went to you.

Steve

Steve,

Those trousers allowed me to make 2 sets with similar sizes..

So now, I have a spare to trade, if anyone needs a set..

Thanks...