You are buying an old Belgian moon & balls camo para smock. Period 1950's and 1960's. The one used by the elite Para Commandos. Mainly were used in the colonial conflict in the Congo by the Belgians. However, it would not be uncommon to see it used by Rhodesians, South Africans and mercenaries in Rhodesia, Zimbawe, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Namibia etc.. Featuring the moon & balls pattern. One of the most beautiful and effective camouflages of its time that is currently a classic and timeless. Reminiscent of the old Denison smocks, these are a very heavy duty and unusual smock. 

Following the 2nd World War the Belgian Army began designing and making its own uniforms again. The popularity of the Denison smock, which this jacket so clearly takes its influence from, was such that many countries decided to design their own. Like its British counterpart the smock features a printed camouflage pattern, usually referred to as "moon & balls". The colours and pattern are not too dissimilar to the British smock of the World War II but are distinctly Belgian. The general cut and design also follows the Denison quite closely with four patch pockets to the front and a fish tail to the rear. The jacket features a middle torso zip front which is covered by a fly. The zip is metal and the puller is marked "riri" fmanufactured by the Swiss zipper company Riri.

Features:

• Belgian 1950's Congo camo smock similar to British WWII denison style coat
• Old WWII type camo patterns dating from the 1950s
• "moon & balls" camo pattern is the earlier type and was produced from 1950 - 1956
• "brushstroke" camo pattern is the later pattern & was produced from 1954 - 1975
• Tough hard-wearing cotton material - built to last! (60+ years & still going strong!)
• Sturdy metal zip front closure
• Has storm flap over zip
• 2 Large chest pockets with 1 press-stud or button closure
• 2 Large lower pockets with 1 press-stud or button closure
• Armpit vents to reduce heat buildup
• Epaulettes to carry the beret, cap, scarf or place badges
• Beaver tail for parachute jumping
• Ideal for re-enactors / fancy dress
• These are designed as over-smocks / paratrooper jump smocks to be worn over woollen battle dress & are quite roomy

The coat is in overall good used condition. It has a small tiny hole (see pic) and the beaver tail has been removed. However, there are no significant stains or damage. The colors are subdued, offering a beautiful patina. All buttons present although not all original. All the metal snap fasteners close correctly. The label print is full legible. Manufactured by A.M.S. for A.B.L. (Armeé Belge/Belgisch Leger) in 1954. The size is 3 46/58 worn as a US large-short (European X-large). The dimensions are as follows:

• chest (pit to pit) - approx. 64 cm (25.19" in)
• shoulder - approx. 50 cm (19.68" in)
• arm (pit to cuff) - approx. 50 cm (19.68" in)
• arm (shoulder to cuff) - approx. 58 cm (22.83" in.) 
• back (collar to hem) - approx. 74 cm (29.13" in)
• weight - 1135 gr (2.5 lb.)

Visit my other items for sale such as helmets, jackets, hats, shirts & pants, belts, boots, pouches, packs and field equipment of the European and US military.

Follow us on Instagram: @specwarkit

Thanks for looking.

Payment

Payments accepted: PayPal.

Buyer must pay the item within 7 days.

If you are paying by PayPal, we will only ship to your Paypal registered address.