Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original French TAP 47/56 paratrooper smock manufactured by J. Pauwels & Co. Ltd. of Merville. Made from heavy herringbone twill printed in the distinctive French “Lizard” camouflage pattern, the smock remains in excellent overall condition with strong colors, complete pockets and closures, and its original interior markings still partially visible.

Following WWII, the French Army developed a new series of uniforms for its airborne troops, known as the Tenue Aéroportée, or TAP. The design was influenced by the American airborne uniforms and British Denison smocks used during WWII, but was gradually refined to meet French operational requirements. Earlier versions of the TAP 47 uniform were used during the First Indochina War, while the final standardized TAP 47/56 pattern was introduced in 1956 and became closely associated with French paratroopers during the Algerian War.

The French camouflage pattern commonly known by collectors as “Lizard” was developed during the early 1950s and features overlapping horizontal brushstroke shapes in green and brown over a lighter base color. The pattern was officially known in French service as tenue de léopard and became one of the most recognizable camouflage uniforms worn by French airborne troops.

The smock is cut generously through the chest and shoulders, allowing it to be worn over other clothing and giving the wearer the freedom of movement required during parachute operations. It is constructed from durable herringbone twill with the camouflage pattern screen printed directly onto the fabric.

There are four large front pockets, each fitted with a flap secured by three press studs. Additional male press studs beneath the flaps allow the pockets to be fastened in two different positions, providing extra capacity when carrying bulky equipment.

The left breast pocket has a horizontal:

ELLESS

Branded zipper, together with an exterior section designed to hold pens or pencils. A second heavy brass Elless zipper closes the front of the smock and retains its original locking puller. A buttoned storm flap covers the zipper when worn.

A drawstring is fitted around the lower edge, allowing the smock to be tightened around the body. Metal ventilation eyelets are present beneath the arms, while buttons around the collar were intended for attaching a removable camouflage hood. The hood is not included.

The interior retains an additional pocket secured by a button. Faint original manufacturer markings remain visible inside the garment and include:

J. PAUWELS & CO. LTD.
MERVILLE

The markings have faded with age and have been partially written over, but the manufacturer’s name remains identifiable.

The smock remains in excellent overall condition with only minor age and storage wear. The camouflage colors remain strong, and the fabric shows no significant fading, staining, or field deterioration. There are a few small flaws and handling marks consistent with age, all of which should be reviewed in the accompanying photographs.

The absence of heavy wear, repairs, unit insignia, and obvious field modifications suggests that the smock may have seen little or no service use. However, it is not described as definitively unissued because the original history of the garment is unknown.

Original French TAP 47/56 camouflage smocks have become increasingly desirable among collectors of French airborne equipment, the Algerian War, and postwar military camouflage. This example is particularly appealing for its strong camouflage colors, complete Elless hardware, clear construction details, and surviving J. Pauwels & Co. manufacturer marking.