There's actually not a lot I can say about this one, they're such a mystery. It took me years to just to find an image of one, let alone to own one, and this is a very rare chance to see one on the open market. All I know is these were an incredibly short run in 1967/68, before being replaced by the now common DPM M2A version in 1970/71. These appear to have been issued as part of a suit to helicopter pilots, which would be supported by what appears to be the shadow of an Army Air Corps patch on the left breast.
There are so many details on this I don't know where to start. It's got a heavy cotton gaberdine shell, and whats looks like a ventile liner throughout the torso area. It includes fully working NZ zips, a hood which slips into a pocket on the back, taped buttons, and the original metal pen retainers on the sleeve (a rarity by themselves). Most of these features would go on to become standard on the Mk3 jacket, the grey version of which would be introduced around the same time.
Condition:
This is in great condition. As mentioned above, an Army Air Corps patch appears to have been removed, but otherwise a solid piece.
Sizing:
- Tagged Size 6
- Pit to pit 60cm
- Shoulder to shoulder 53cm
- Shoulder to cuff 59cm
- Collar to hem 78cm