SAS Bravo 2 Zero Assault Vest.

Just a shame its a repro

Hmmm,doing an NSN search there appears to be an issue item with the same NSN--

8465-99-132-0343 8465991320343, 8465-99-132-0343 - PACK,COMBAT,LIGHTWE - 8465991320343

Hey Rich,

I do not believe your example is a reproduction. There were 3 or so variations of the lightweight combat pack (PCL) including a DPM colored one that has spanish tab closures. I think your example is the improved (for want of a better term) 2nd pattern. The first packs with the 72 pattern closures are really hard to use and it would not surprise me if the specifications were altered to use the US plastic fittings. My example is was made by Mills and dated 1980. (MECo 1980 NSN:8465-99-132-0343)

Dwayne

I just looked at a picture that had two similar lightweight combat packs with the 72 pattern closure and one in olive green that has spanish tab closures. The DPM example is on page 18 & 19 of Simon Howlett's Europa Militaria no.35 "Modern British Webbing Equipment" under trial and experimental webbing. I still think yours is just a variant of the original design.

Hello Dwayne,mine is dated 2002 and sure its a SILVERMANS supplied one which makes me think its a copy?

It looks good to me too. Silverman's had a lot of rare but issue stuff (SAS drop pouches, RM Arctic Bergens etc.) back in the day so it would not surprise me if this item was genuine.

I have the DPM version of this vest but the rubberised lining seems to have perished and leached into the nylon DPM outer, darkening it - seems to be a common ailment with this material - some South African 32 Bn equipment seems to have been made from the same material and exhibited the same problem.
The DPM version has also been seen being used by Indonesian Air Force Commandoes.

Hmmmm,interesting,bought as a repro so would be a bonus if original

Reason im veering towards repro is that Silvermans label their not so good repro 59 Patt Denison and WW2 Windproof Smock with the CWCW maker.

That would make 4 variations. The original OG with 72 pattern closure, your version with the M67 closure, the OG one with spanish tabs and the later DPM colored one with spanish tabs. I will have to add the others to my extensive wants list.
Bloody hell it never ends does it.
Dwayne

britcoll36 wrote:That would make 4 variations. The original OG with 72 pattern closure, your version with the M67 closure, the OG one with spanish tabs and the later DPM colored one with spanish tabs. I will have to add the others to my extensive wants list.
Bloody hell it never ends does it.
Dwayne

Certainly doesnt end unofrtunately

Make that 5. The DPM version that I mentioned above has only nylon ties and loops to close the pouches/backpack.

Pictures people!

Looks original to me. I had a shed full of them i leeched onto eBay 8-10 years back. Made over £200 on every one i sold !

Silvermans has very good links to manufacturers and often got stuff but had a different label put on it so that it wasn't actual surplus that could be taken as having been nicked from the supply line. so, whilst not actually issued and ex-MoD, it isn't a rerop as such.

Oh, whilst they were used by a couple of members of the ill-fated and ill-led and poorly planned B20 team, they are officially the pack, combat, lightweight,1966 pattern and were first used in Oman and one can be seen worn by a very young Tony Jeapes in his book on the war there.

Dave

I found pics of DPM/Spanish closure model here:
(http:)//dpm-soldier.pl/oporzadzenie/sas_vest.html

Theres been another 2 on Ebay UK in the last few weeks,one like mine and one earlier.

I also had one just like this ......
yours is real to me.


owen

Great news to hear,Thanks Owen.

Hi guys,

Sorry I dont mean to hi jack this thread but I just picked up this vest locally. Any thoughs on period and use of this vest?

Thank for any help.

Cheers
Jason

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Another good one.

I had one with 44 pattern cloth ......pouches .....

Needs must and having a big clearout so if anybody interested,this vest can go. Very good condition,no issues,has been used as traces of desert paint here and there on the vest.

Hi Gulf91 I've just joined the site and have started with this section are you still wanting to sell your vest I'm in New Zealand

Hello Wayne and welcome to this great forum. Have in the past sent stuff all over the world so sending to NZ shouldnt pose any problem.

All the best.

Would be keen not sure of rules about this on the forum do you have price in mind

I've seen these numerous times and this looks genuine to me.