Original 1945 Dated British Army Airborne Troops Denison Smock - RAMC 2/Lt

An original British Army Airborne Troops Denison Smock which is dated 1945 and is in very good condition. 

The Denison smock is one of the most iconic garments of the Second World War due to its association with airborne forces, paratroopers, Commandos the SAS and many more. Developed in the early part of WW2 following the formation of the first airborne units, this is a second pattern example produced in 1945. The camouflage pattern which was designed by Major Denison is screen printed directly onto the cloth and features a sand coloured background with a green and brown 'brushstroke' pattern over this.

The smock features four patch pockets to the front which fasten with brass 'Newey' branded press studs. The front fastens with a nickel plated zipper which features a 'Lightning' branded puller which is typical of the period. Epaulettes are located to each shoulder which fasten with green coloured vegetable ivory (plastic) buttons which were commonly used on garments made in 1944 and 1945. These have been fitted with RAMC pattern rank stars, one to each shoulder. This denotes that the original owner was a 2nd Lieutenant of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Buttons are fitted to the end of each cuff which allows for the cuff to be tightened around that wearer's wrist via a tab. There are more press studs to the front which allows the tail to be secured between the wearer's legs. The tail is still present which is a nice detail as these were often cut off. 

The interior of the smock features two pockets to the chest which are made from the same material as the body of the smock. The original maker's label is present to the interior and is heavily worn leaving the details only very partially legible. There is however a War Department acceptance stamp adjacent to this which is surmounted by the letter 'Z' which denotes 1945 as the year of manufacture. This is faint, and even more so on the pictures but is clearly a Z. It is easier to see in person under natural light. 

These smocks are cut in a wide manner to allow for plenty of free movement when worn over the battledress uniform. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 29 1/2 "
Inside arm - 22"
Outside arm - 24"
Shoulder - 22 1/2"
Length at rear - 34 1/2"

The smock is in very good condition overall with deep, strong colours and no signs of undue wear or over exposure to sunlight. On the whole it has a very fresh appearance and displays very well indeed. There is some limited staining as well as a heavy soiling to the rear of the collar as illustrated in the pictures. One of the rear press studs is missing as is the left upper pocket flap, although this is not visible when worn or displayed. This wear is consistent with a smock which has been worn on active service. Please take time to study these before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-owned item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

All in all an excellent example of a wartime Denison Smock which would make a fantastic addition to any collection. 

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'