Original 1944 Dated British Army Camouflaged Windproof Smock - Size 8

A rare original 1944 dated British Army Camouflage windproof smock in a hard to find large size which is in good condition.

This pattern of smock was introduced in 1943 and saw widespread issue during 1944 and 1945 with a variety of units. Based on the same design as the earlier denim, drab and snow smocks; these camouflaged examples also proved popular in the post-war period and were used by French forces amongst others. 

The smock is made from a lightweight gabardine which has the camouflaged pattern screen printed onto it. It features four patch pockets at the front which all fasten with green coloured vegetable ivory (plastic) buttons. There is a hood which fastens with a drawstring and a larger drawstring is fitted to the bottom hem. The sleeves feature reinforcing patches made from the same material as the rest of the smock to the elbows, and there are adjustable tabs and buttons located to each cuff.

Inside the smock the original label is still present and bears the title of 'Smock, Windproof Camouflaged' and the size is marked as No. 8. The 1944 date and the War Department broad arrow marking are also present as is the maker's name of 'I. Miller & Co Ltd' who are one of the rarer maker's to find today. The label has also had an issue date stamp added which reads 'OCT 1944' which ties in with when these smock began to be issued in North West Europe. 

The smock is a rare large size and is designed to fit someone of a 42" - 44" chest. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 30"
Inside arm - 20 3/4"
Outside arm - 21"
Shoulders - 25 1/2"
Length - 31"

The smock is in good condition overall and displays very well. It is still very wearable and has nice deep colours and no serious signs of sun fading or washing. There is some wear along the bottom hem which is illustrated in the pictures and some slight staining to left sleeve which is again evident in the pictures. There is also some slight fraying at the cuffs. Overall the smock displays extremely well and is in very good condition but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is vintage, used item which has some small issues commensurate with age. 

An iconic piece of camouflage uniform and a must have item for the serious collector!