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 1946 dated example of the second iteration, first introduced just prior to Operation Market Garden, and manufactured into the 1950s.
Condition
Used but solid. There is some fraying to the ends of the cuffs/hems and some repairs/wear throughout. One of the studs on the tail is missing. Zipper works nice.
Size
- Tagged a size 5
- Fits from a modern medium to large depending upon desired fit
- Pit to pit 25" (if you've never had a denison, these fit very broad across the chest and wide on the shoulder)
- Shoulder to shoulder 21"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 35"