There are many many variations and derivatives of the Denison smock. A huge number of countries, particularly from the commonwealth or those who wore the Denison during the war, would take the basic pattern and create their own iterations. The French and their Tap47 series, the South Africans, Rhodesians, Australians, the list goes on. However, very few of the pieces are quite as beautiful, and quite as rare as the Canadian "Jacket, Airborne, Nylon".
That this is based on a denison is fairly clear. The same long bodied, four pocket design, a tail that was designed to attach under the crotch, waist adjusters, all found on its older brother. But there are a couple of notable differences. The first was the inclusion of the chunky full zip, something the British would later incorporate in their 59 pattern series. The second the nylon material, which over time has faded into a beautiful mixture of shades of green. Finally, the third was a large pocket across the rear.
Designed in the very early 50s, these would be produced until 1958, but according to my research would stay in use until the early 70s when they were replaced by a very similar DPM version. The same period of time would see a dramatic reduction in Canada's armed forces, which has meant very few of these were made so it's incredibly rare to see one up for sale.
Condition.
This jacket is in good condition, and I've done a couple of small repairs to make it better. The parachute silk collar mod was done at the time of use (still looks great) and it appears the tail was also period removed, again a very common modification. There was a hole in the chest, which I've both darned and covered with a correct 1950s Canadian parachute qualification wing, and another on the sleeve which I've also darned to prevent further fraying. A small hole to the back has cauterised and wasn't in further danger of spreading. One of the press studs on the left waist adjuster is missing, again a common issue with these pieces. The trousers are pretty salty and will be included along with the jacket to keep the pair together.
Size
- No tag but fits a modern medium/large
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 20"
- Shoulder to cuff 25"
- Collar to hem 32"
- Trouser waist 20"
- Trouser inside leg 31"