1954 Denison smock with full length zipper conversion

Picked this up recently. Was supposed to have been in worn condition but i took a gamble as the press studs looked ot have all their paint on them. I was happy to find it in good, clean and never washed condition. It was supposed to have been used in Suez and Palestine by an Army major but there are no signs of pips having been attached (though slip-ons could have been used .. ). There is a litte mothing on one of the knit cuffs but that's it. I'm hoping to get a name and some service history from the seller as it was her father-in-law's.

The zipper looks like one from a sleeveless oversmock. The wind flap also is mostly Denison material but the bottom is olive green, as is the zipper pull. I think it was probably a half zip version converted by the officer.

very nice mate ! can't beat a good denison

Cheers mucker, me too

Can you provide a good clear shot of the lable? Thank you.

VERY NICE smock !!!

great pattern !


owen

edstorey wrote:Can you provide a good clear shot of the lable? Thank you.

I provide photos of a beautiful smock and all you can say is give me a photo of the label ? Collectors, eh ?

It says "Smock Denison Airborne Troops size 5" and then height and chest and maker and year info .................

Superb condition. I go by the condition of the paint on the snaps as well since lighting and fading can be deceiving if the seller's photos are poor.

I let one like this slip away and I remember that it came with some documents to indicate it was used by a Royal Marines commando in the Suez Crisis. I even saved a few photos so you can see how it was configured:





But it went for nearly what I paid for a mint 1944 2nd type.

That is a nice smock Raff, I bet you were gutted to not win it. I'm hopeful to get the owner's history of my smock too.

These late 1940's and 1950's manufactured smocks must be relatively rare as the numbers and stocks available post WW2 must have been huge.

I imagine they must have had overwhelming stocks of the second type after demobilization before using newly-made substitutes.

You've just re-ignited my Denison fever. The richness of the colours and sharpness of the "mop" strokes on your jacket is really pleasing.

(quote)I imagine they must have had overwhelming stocks of the second type after demobilization before using newly-made substitutes
i remember going to the shot in late 72 and getting issued with all my lovely DPM kit (AND CRAP HAT) and there where piles of denison smocks tied up in bales .i remember some being cut up for patches and rags SOB

Yes, but who made it and what is the year of manufacture? True, your pictures are nice, but some of the key data on the garment is on the lable.

Hairy !
please tell us more stories like that !

I remember wearing my 45 denison in Belfast in the 80s .and getting a good reaction from any Para in town !

happy days .

owen