Original Belgian Post-WWII Moon and Balls Pattern Denison Smock with Period Repairs
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely service-worn Belgian Denison type Airborne smock with the famous Belgian “Moon and Ball” pattern camouflage. The smock appears have a variety of field repairs and modifications including a padded collar and heavy stitch repairing in some areas. There was originally a maker’s tag under the collar but it is gone, leaving only a shadow. There is heavy fraying of the material along the bottom edge of the smock as well as on some of the pocket closure and snap closures. The “fishtail” is also gone.
First appearing in 1952, this variation of the original brushstroke pattern is often called "moon & balls." Consisting of forest green and reddish-brown shapes on a khaki background, many of the green shapes appear from a distance as full circles while others appear only as "half moons"; hence the term lune et sphère was coined. It can be distinguished from other Belgian brushstroke-derivatives by the faint brush trails of the overlapping colors and the unique "sawtooth" shape encountered infrequently within the pattern. Although worn primarily by Belgian airborne, commando and marine units well into the 1970s, the pattern was only in production from 1952 until 1956. The design was printed on several types of fabric, including light and medium weight cotton poplins, and heavier weight canvas.
The pattern is heavily faded on this example, but some of the small sawtooth shapes can be found in spots. This would date the jacket between 1952 and 1956. The zipper still works well and is marked riri. The jacket has heavy wear overall and is missing the removable “fishtail” to the rear, with fraying in the spot where it originally was.
A great service-worn example, ready for further research and display.
Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 12.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 23”
Shoulder to shoulder: 22"
Chest width: 24”
Waist: 23"
Hip: 25"
Front length: 32.5"
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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