British Army 1942 Denison Smock First Pattern

Quite possibly the most iconic and enduring piece of British military clothing ever made. The Denison smock's history lies in the early part of WW2. Having seen the success of the German airborne forces in Norway, Churchill ordered Britain's parachute regiment to be formed and expanded quickly. Initially the British copied the German parachute oversmock, called a knockensack, but soon developed their own large overfitting garment known as a Denison smock. The first iteration was introduced in 1942, and whilst there would be small changes, remained largely unchanged into the late 50s. 

This is a stunning example of that first iteration. Initially produced in 'handpainted' camouflage and then quickly changed to the printed brushstoke camo, this first pattern is known for its single panel front construction, brass Newey studds, knitted cuffs and free hanging tail (known in the army as the 'under fork'). This is the classic ww2 pattern, produced in 1942 & 43, before the more common second pattern was introduced in 1944. The vast majority of the photos you see of the paras in Normandy or Arnhem has them wearing these first patterns. This example is one of the earliest printed contracts, being made in 1942  by A Whyman Ltd.

This came to me from a veterans family and was told a sorry of it being at Arnhem, however after some indepth research I don't believe this to be true (or at least the owner wasn't there). The owner did serve with both the Kings Royal Rifle Corps and the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry, but seems to spend most of his service in the middle and far east. I can provide more details if requested.

Condition

This is a used example. Whilst the material is solid there areas of wear particularly to the upper left sleeve and near the hem. There are some paint marks and splatter, but it's pretty light. The zipper seems to have been replaced and some point and broken again - I could repair this should the new owner wish with an appropriate zipper to be charged separately. The fork/tail has been removed.

Size 

• Denison Smock:
• Tagged a size 5
• Pit to pit 27"
• Shoulder to shoulder 22"
• Shoulder to cuff 26"
• Collar to hem 34"