"Reversed DPM" Para Smock

I don't know of any commercial replicas, but the Ambridge Thompson smocks are widely available probably because they were late contracts and existing stocks were not used up before the CAR was disbanded and SSF folded. As far as I know, those late-model Ambridge Thompson jackets were not related to the Tanzania narrative.

Wolverine wrote:I don't know of any commercial replicas, but the Ambridge Thompson smocks are widely available probably because they were late contracts and existing stocks were not used up before the CAR was disbanded and SSF folded. As far as I know, those late-model Ambridge Thompson jackets were not related to the Tanzania narrative.

Thanks for replying.

I was told elsewhere that such claims for these were incorrect.

The Ambridge & Thompson Smocks were issued to the Canadian Airborne Regiment. They are real, Govt Issue.

There are basically 5 "patterns" or periods of the Canadian DPM Parachutist Smock worn by the Cdn AB Regt and the SSF.
1975 AB Regt purchase w a darker camo and a Grey Plastic Zipper, Non Voided Nickle Snaps, makers tag inside back of smock, Peerless (RARE)
1976-77 First official Government Contract, zipper is Brass, Non Voided Nickle Snaps, makers tag is located inside the interior velcro pocket Peerless
1978 Second Gov't Contract, zipper is Brass, Non Voided Nickle Snaps, makers tag moved to lower inside front "skirt" peerless
Dec 78-1985 Third Contract, zipper is Brass, Snaps are now Voided w all blackened Brass Snaps , makers tag moved to lower inside front "skirt" Peerless
1989 Last Contract, Ambridge & Thompson. Defective Copper Spring in the female snap. Resulted in often ripping the snap away from the smock when opened. These are the most commonly found smock.
NOTE: This last pattern was commonly worn in the Cdn Airborne Regiment and the Commanding Officer was wearing this pattern for the disbandment of the Regiment 5 March 1995.
Note: I'm fairly certain that Frontenac Clothing may also have produced some DPM smocks in the late 70's early 80s, but can't find my info. Same pattern as the 78-85 smocks.

There are a number of smock specific points, but this gives a quick overview.

Jerry B wrote:I have been told that the Ambridge & Thompson smocks are not real, anyone have any thoughts on this, something to do with Tanzania.

There is another maker to add to the contract last. I have a smock by Uniformes F.O.B. Ltee, dated 1986 with voided snaps.