For Sale: 1945 Tanker Oversuit

[Chuck Anderson]

Thread hijacked

[rob love]

If only they came in men's sizes.

[Ed Storey]

If the most common tan tank suit is a $700US item, then how much would a large sized 1944 dated camouflage Tank Suit worth?

[Ben]

Nice suit Ed...........

I'm 5'10" and a size 5 is about right, bearing in mind they're an over suit.

[horsa]

Link below is one that ended on eBay late December. Was surprised at how high it went for at $1033 since they didn't mention it retaining a tag. Although they may not have known where to look for it since they hid them on the tank suits. Figure it was a size 3 or 4. Has repairs and seems to be missing the hood.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-SOE-BRIT...vip=true&rt=nc

[ajmac]

I was under the impression that the camouflaged pixi suit was not actually issued during wartime...so from that point of view would they not be worth less than a normal wartime one?

[marco]

Although the label in the right sleeve says "Tank crews" I believe the camouflaged version was mainly used by "open topped" armored car crews.
Can't find many wartime photo's anyway showing the camouflaged version.

Marco

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by rob love

If only they came in men's sizes.

if 6-1 to 6-2 counts.

[Neil Ashley]

Originally Posted by marco

Although the label in the right sleeve says "Tank crews" I believe the camouflaged version was mainly used by "open topped" armored car crews.
Can't find many wartime photo's anyway showing the camouflaged version.

Marco

If you can find any war-time pictures of their use I would be interested to see as no one has ever produced any to date.

There are a lot of post-war pictures into the 1960's showing their use.

[marco]

Neil,

This is the only wartime photo I have on which I think the camouflaged tank suit is worn.
Might be another peace of clothing though, I am sure someone can tell.

It is the XII Manitoba Dragoon soldier on the left sitting on the edge of the Ford Lynx armored car.
I do not know the exact date but I am quite sure it is around April or May 1945.

Marco

[Neil Ashley]

Thats a difficult one. Probably more likely to be a Denison but we will never know.

Here is a post-war picture. Note the Denim Tank Suit still in service.

[Ed Storey]

Great photograph Neil, it shows all three garments in use, Denim, regular Tank Suit and the Camouflaged version. Both the denim and regular tank suits were manufactured post-WWII.

[horsa]

I'm thinking the B&W shot has the guy in question wearing a Denison smock. He appears to have a holster on the right hip which would be a bit more awkward in a heavier tank suit since it looks to be pretty conformed to his side.

[Robert Bergeron]

Well,

I see a nice Canadian Ford Lynx with a 1919A4 flexible mounted up front and a lot of idle Germans sitting on it !

It certainly could be a Dennison smock David. Is the soldier wearing the Dennison wearing a black beret wich would be indicative of an armored Regt ?

If he is , then it could very well be the tanker suit because i do not think an armored person would wear an airborne piece of kit.

Just my two cents, no offense meant too anyone.

Robert

[Ed Storey]

During WWII Denison Smocks were used by more then just the Airborne, some units were issued them as winter clothing while others were obtained by enterprising Officers who could get an example. Even General Montgomery wore one.

A further example are snipers, who were issued one as part of their clothing.

[Bob Carriere]

Lots of important historical information but now the seller is P.O. and removed the suit.

I was under the impression that "Sellers" were allowed to ask what they want for what they sell...... and buyers are not obliged to buy at any price???

Would it not be nice if some one reversed engineered the suit and created patterns for larger sizes and/or even produce repro for the market like What Price Glory..... www.whatpriceglory.com/

Bob C

[Jim Burrill]

I worked with Jerry Lee at WPG to make up the denim AFV crewsuit for my 15th Recce lads. Jerry didn't see a market for them so he connected me with his source in India. Allowing we couldn't get real denim, the best we could do was dyed cotton twill of the right weight and color.

Our unit had some 26 sets of AFV coveralls made up for those that committed for them. Cost ended up being US $110 each postage paid from India.

I later sent over a Size 4 tan Pixie suit. But then I heard that a guy in Poland was already selling Pixies (and Denim AFV suits - real denim!!) and I let the project lapse. The tailor changed his policy and instead of all made to measure, he wanted a set number of sizes - 25 suits, and I didn't have the interest from my lads. Most all the armour owners in the club had already scored real Pixies over the years. I paid 150 for my unissued Size 6! (grin!!)

The Pixie would be more realistic to get an accurate replica made, with the tan fabric and Newell snaps and such available,

If there is enough interest, I could reach out ot the tailor and see if he is game. He still has my pattern suit.

[Bob Carriere]

I got a British AFV repro from WPG which is very nice but the cotton is very light weight material.... now he does sell them as North Africa and Italian campaign garments. I am afraid to wear it as I don't think it would stand up very well except for parades or clean re enactments.

Just out of curiosity when did the Canadian Armored Corp start using the one size fits all jet black heavy denim coveralls .....as used in their workshops I have worn those and they were very sturdy.

I have given up finding a suit that would fit my 6'2" 210 pound frame.... but would be partial to a good sturdy repro.

Bob C

[Jordan Baker]

http://www.solomonadler.com/en-index.htm

These guys were making a pixie suit a few years ago. I just checked and it's no longer listed. But if you are interested it could be worth contacting them.


What I've used is a pair of Denim coveralls. I bought a pair of reproduction ones from a vendor on ebay. They are great to wear and are now covered in grease and stains from using them around the vehicles. I also found them a pretty tough material. I believe WPG sells them. However I think mine came from Spearhead. Although I don't think he is making them anymore.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by marco

Neil,

This is the only wartime photo I have on which I think the camouflaged tank suit is worn.
Might be another peace of clothing though, I am sure someone can tell.

It is the XII Manitoba Dragoon soldier on the left sitting on the edge of the Ford Lynx armored car.
I do not know the exact date but I am quite sure it is around April or May 1945.

Marco

10 April, 1945, near Sogel, Germany.
I do not believe the tank overalls (pixie suit) collar is the same as those found on the second and third variations of the Denison smock. Clearly the double zipper closure is not. Pocket and epaulette shape, as well as their location and snap closures appear similar from a distance. Having an opportunity to view the front to see the double zipper of the pixie suit is helpful. Depending on one's build, a belt carried holster could be worn outside the pixie suit.

[rob love]

If it is a denison smock it would appear to be missing it's diaper. Mind you, one couldn't blame a non jumper for cutting that off, especially near an armoured vehicle. It seems to have a mind of it's own in searching for things to get caught on.

[Robert Bergeron]

Gents,

Chuck, please do not take offense. Bob is right. A seller may and must be able to ask whatever he wants for an item. A prospective buyer is never forced to buy at any price. Even tought we may feel an item is overpriced ( i am not saying yours was Chuck ) it is always interesting to see new items we did not know about ( my case ) or haven't seen in a while .

While on the subject of Dennison smocks, Ed you are right again and thanks for your input. The smocks were also worn by Snipers, Scouts, SAS , Airborne and specialists and certain enterprising individuals including officers. But no officer in his right mind would do that to his Sergeant Major and get away with it. Reverse example from the NCO's and discipline would have prevented it in most instances i believe. Monty was famous for dressing up like a clown in all sorts of uniform combinations.He is not a good exemple in that way.

Plus, i think an individual parading in a smock outside the usual environment for such would have made an attractive target for the opposing force . Like in today's Army, i would expect support troops and units would have tried to emulate front line fighting units by wearing front line apparel and accoutrement. I saw ther same with some overweight officers wearing the Tanker suit designed for the Grizzly drivers in the 80's . They looked simply ridiculous and would'nt have been able to locate the starter switch on one of those..

We are not highjacking a tread because the tread does not exist anymore...

So , sorry Chuck ,please forgive us.

In all modesty and friendship.

Robert

[Eric R.]

Originally Posted by Jordan Baker

http://www.solomonadler.com/en-index.htm

These guys were making a pixie suit a few years ago. I just checked and it's no longer listed. But if you are interested it could be worth contacting them.


What I've used is a pair of Denim coveralls. I bought a pair of reproduction ones from a vendor on ebay. They are great to wear and are now covered in grease and stains from using them around the vehicles. I also found them a pretty tough material. I believe WPG sells them. However I think mine came from Spearhead. Although I don't think he is making them anymore.

Adler won't deal direct with anyone and his "agent" battle dress and bayonet won't ship to this side of the pond. I tried to get a denim tank suit and had no luck and he finally just stopped responding to emails.

The best choice is the WPG denims. They are the best that is easily available to us in N. America. I really wish we could get a new run of denim tanks suits made but the wheels have been spinning on that for a couple of years now.

[Ed Storey]

Please, when discussing uniforms it is more professional to keep any personal comments about individuals to yourself. I can understand that some people may not be fans of Field Marshall Montgomery, but as a general officer he was no more or less inclined to wear his own style of clothing then many of the other senior Allied Officers.

Referring to him as a clown degrades not only a senior Allied Commander but a man who had a long career of military service to his country.

[peter simundson]

Well said Mr. Story.

Peter S

[Dusonn]

A friend of mine is making the Denim overalls.
http://www.army-store.cz/index.php?p...emart&Itemid=1
He also makes Denim battledress, which I have and its not bad.

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Dusan

Are they made in your country or imported for the USA...?

IS the site available in English??

Now I need t convert to our cheap Canadian dollars to see what it is worth.

Thanks

[Dusonn]

Bob,
they are made by the same army-shop in Czech Republic. The Denim feels good, its solid and if you rinse it couple of times it gets lighter like the original. (Never seen a NOS one so cannot compare when the Denim was new) The site is probably not available in English. The price is 2750 , -CZK the rate is currently 1CND= 19,50CZK I am sure Daniel, the owner could work out the postage. Not sure if he speaks English but if you are interested I can arrange it for you.

Sizes are S to XXL

[Eric R.]

Originally Posted by Dusonn

Bob,
they are made by the same army-shop in Czech Republic. The Denim feels good, its solid and if you rinse it couple of times it gets lighter like the original. (Never seen a NOS one so cannot compare when the Denim was new) The site is probably not available in English. The price is 2750 , -CZK the rate is currently 1CND= 19,50CZK I am sure Daniel, the owner could work out the postage. Not sure if he speaks English but if you are interested I can arrange it for you.

Sizes are S to XXL

Dusan is the fabric true denim or is it the same cotton drill that the current reproduction denims are being made in?

I am definitely interested and would need to know how his sizing works before ordering. If you want I can PM you or you can PM me if you want.

Thanks!

[Dusonn]

Eric,
it is true denim, solid, same as jeans are made of. I will ring Daniel tomorrow and ask about the postage to the USA. Also will find out his sizing. Probably the best would be that you PM me your figure size so he can find one to fit.