Olive green gabardine SAS smock

[Rorschach]

Hi,

I happened to score an olive green gabardine SAS smock in new condition on Ebay. From reading some UK military forums, I came to the understanding that these are very rare. I've certainly never before seen one for sale. The DPM and desert ones are extremely abundant in gabardine, while the MTP and even the black ones can be found occasionally.

Would someone happen to know a bit more about the OG ones? Like which units they were made for?

I love these smocks and use them literally every day...in addition to this green one, I have two black gabardine SAS smocks, two OG ventile smocks made by SASS and a green double layer ventile Westwinds smock (made almost exactly in SAS smock style). I guess I'm a heavy user

 

[Wildgoose]

The Windproof smock was manufactured in green until the late 60s when the DPM version became available.
Green was issued and used until much later in special forces circles though, as soldiers hung on to their old smocks as a badge of service or until QM’s had used up their stock.

 

[Wildgoose]

It’s worth noting that until recently, as well as the issued smock there where a number of companies that made smocks, each claiming to be lighter, faster drying, stronger etc.
These private purchase smocks would often be offered in far more colours than issue DPM.
Now the issue kit is actually pretty good there’s far less drive for private purchase (as well as MTP being licenced, and the army banning non issue) and many of the garrison makers are no longer trading.

 

[Rorschach]

Thanks for the info. Incredible that it could be that old. It's in very good condition.

 

[Rorschach]

This is what it looks like.

 

[Wildgoose]

The slotted buttons suggests mid 90s onwards. I had one like it but sold it as it wasn’t being used.

I’ve seen similar (last digit change) NSN’s for woodland, desert and a reed type camouflage, I think they were a private manufacturer but to MOD spec.

I’m not current with issue kit so may be wrong.

 

[Rorschach]

Ok, thanks. That's what I thought, too, that the Canadian style buttons might point towards relatively recent manufacture.

 

[lou1661]

Google says the NSN comes up as a poncho camouflage, maybe worth someone with asset to the NSN database to have a looksee

 

[Wildgoose]

Google says the NSN comes up as a poncho camouflage, maybe worth someone with asset to the NSN database to have a looksee

It’s got a CG number rather than an NSN so I suspect it’s a private purchase rather than issue

 

[Rorschach]

Is there a database for CG numbers? (whatever those are)

 

[Mulloch]

CG is the DMC Domestic Management Code, this is a group of letters/numbers or a combination of the two that appear before the thirteen NSN Nato Stock number. You have to put it in on demand forms, its an easy indicator to identify who is the equipment manager for that particular item if you have a query.

If I remember correctly, Gucci smocks were often called obscure names such as "Poncho" to stop you trolling through the lists or SCOC "Supply Chain Operations Centre" disc looking for Gucci Smock SAS Windproof.

The Smock pictured is this one, I think. https://forcesuniformandkit.co.uk/products/british-army-green-windproof-smock "Chinese copy @£30 as advertised"

SAS smocks never had rank slides and the hoods didnt have the extra width with a wire stiffener. Obviously the SAS smock was for the SAS. Whereas the windproof Arctic had rank slides front and rear along with a wire stiffener in the hood. These smocks were for anyone serving in areas such as Norway,Falklands etc not just Royal Marines.

Caution: "smock combat olive windproof" (or black or DPM)

Hi just a heads up to a very poor jacket (I bought knowing it was fake). I've seen a lot of these in surplus stores/e-bay and I'm worried that people will be conned buying these for Christmas presents. It's sold as a: "SAS windproof" "Olive windproof smock" (or a combination of those words)...

bushcraftuk.com

Trusty British Surplus Shops ?

Please tell me in your opinion trusty British military surplus shops who run an internet shop. (You may off course write in here little shops in Britain too, which don't run internet shops, but please tell it me, if I can't order there via homepage.) Thank you!

bushcraftuk.com

 

[Riven]

As you can see in pic from the late 70s Eddie is wearing one. Nice find.

 

[Rorschach]

Thanks for the image and info