Pattern 1959 Denison

I always thought that there were 4 variants pof the 1959 pattern but have since been told that there were 5. The first from 59 to 61 was in the same pattern as the pre 1959 pattern and post war, just with a full zip.
Next came the 61 to 63. 63 to 66. 66 to ? Also referred to as Banana by collectors. Then the final instalment in to the 70’s before being replaced by DPM.

The fabric was requested on small amounts and at different times by several suppliers.
Old equipment, dyes et al, resulted in numerous hues, throughout the years.
I’m told, that the fabric was cut in to panel sizes, pockets, epaulettes and tails.
The tailors then picked up the front and rear panels, in the size required.

On the 63-66 and 66- smocks, the front and rear panels are mirrored (ish). That is the same cut is used on the opposite side.

I can find no explanation as to why the pattern changed every few years.

I was searching for size 8’s in every size. Managed to get a first variant, that now appears to be a second and the final variant in size 8.
Sourced the middle variants in size 1 and 3.

During Covid, I wondered if I could replicate the patterns and have a smock made in my size?
Pictures are of my smocks, original and my own reproductions.

https://www.instagram.com/denisonsmock1959/

1961 BMC (Belstaff)

My collection.

63 - 66 variant. Next picture is the fabric I had made. Currently having a smock made in my size.

Colour variations. You can see that the green on the pockets are different to the main panels. Add to that, 60 years of washing, wear and tear and bleaching by the sun. Very difficult to reproduce the colours to everyone’s satisfaction.

Also, the same smock can be photographed and the colours appear totally different. The 66 variant, can take on a very yellow hue, which is probably why “collectors” have named it banana variant. In reality the base layer is more of a beige or biscuit colour. 

Examples of hues and also the mirrored panels.2

More examples.

My take on replicating the pattern and colours.
I tried to work out the 66 pattern but then added some shapes as a nod of respect. NI, FI and Arnhem.

Gulf91 wrote:There were 3 official variations of the 59 Patt colours-dont know why but 3 distinctly different types of camo print and colours.

The only repro i know of is the one made by Silvermans and is quite obviously not original compared to an original by the colours and prints.These regularly appear on Ebay advertised as originals and unfortunately people get sucked in and pay big money for them.Used to own one and from memory the makers label is C.W.C.S i think.

Another variation that i have seen and not as such a repro again from memory was labelled with a maker of FRANKLINS or FRANKENSTEIN-J.L.S or similar. Around 10 years ago there was a load of them on Ebay and sold quite cheaply(regretted not buying one now).Apparently these were and overseas Middle Eastern or African contract cancelled at the last minute and were identical to issue 59patt smocks other than(again from memory) at the rear there were 3 rows of pop studs to attach the crutch flap/donkey tail as opposed to 1 row on std/issue studs.

Sorry about the vagueness but thats all i can remember

I always thought that there were four variants but have since been advised that were 5 and also a trials (GDS) version.

My attempt at making a reproduction 1959 pattern smock. After a bit of wash/wear/sun I gave it a little tinkering with some Rit Dye. Quite happy with the result.

My attempt at a reproduction. 

koalorka wrote:Hey folks, I'm curious about the variation that occurs in post-war Pattern 1959 Denison smocks, was there any standardization with respect to colours and markings? I know they were produced for close to 2 decades and most of variance can be attributed to technological limitations and the fact that the garment was produced by a handful of shops.

I've recently come across this mustard-coloured example, it seems the earlier models share a more tan background colour. I'm not 100% certain the label is correct however, it has no reference to the type of smock (Pattern 1959), the date of manufacturer or any UK MOD property markings (broad arrow). But the maker Cookson & Clegg is known for the later DPM uniforms.

Are there any known replicas of the Pattern 59 smock?

Here are the photos:





Thanks!

This is a GDS (trials) version of a 1959 pattern smock.