British (Airborne Troops) Denison Smock – 1942

Original WWII British “Airborne Troops” 1st Pattern Denison Smock, dated 1942. This early example features the desirable hand-applied camouflage, as later wartime smocks were produced using printed fabric. The smock retains its original maker’s label: Wareings (N’TON) Ltd., 1942, size 7. It is also stamped with the War Department (WD) mark and letter code “N,” indicating a 1943 date. The smock shows some later modifications. At one point, a full-length zip was installed; this has since been removed, the front stitched closed, and a shorter half-zip added. The current half-zip is fully functional. The six press-studs for the tailpiece, as well as the two male studs on the tail, are replacements. All brass press-studs are marked “NEWEY.” Small part of the fabric covering the zip has material from an oversmock. The knitted cuffs remain intact.

Despite these alterations, this remains a desirable early 1942 1st Pattern Denison smock.