Replacing the Hood Wire of a British Arctic Smock - Reenacting Tips

Just a video showing the replacement of the wire in the cowl hood of the British issue arctic windproof smock.

[@ericj.w.ruijssenaars3421]

Thanks for sharing! Found one of these smocks during my holiday in a Dutch dumpstore. The wire has long gone, so I will replace that. Hook and loop is also a bit worn out, maybe I can replace that to. Otherwise, a fine Smock in a large size that fits me well. While it has a British tag, DPM camo was also in use by the Dutch Marines.

[@johnmiller8412]

Any online store in Netherlands

[@soldierloz]

Nice vid mate . Yea very fiddly so you did good. As an added tip, once you have repaired the holes give them a dab of clear nail varnish - stops the material running. 👊🏻

[@RiflemanMoore]

Thanks for the tip!

[@proactivex]

Would stainless wire work better ? I got mine new and broke the wire after two winters so I’m sure it’ll happen again considering how I use it.

[@558Marty]

Hi. Great video. My wire was missing so what type wire do I need. Thanks

[@sydsmith809]

Very good and useful vids, many thanks... I wonder if you may know.. Im searching high and low to source the 'sage green' 5ml flat cotton boot lace type draw cords that are used generically on older style British Army Jackets. Trying to restore accurately an older smock. Do you know where I might find a small supply? odd question I know...

[@RiflemanMoore]

The only place I can suggest is eBay, I've managed to find cord/shoe laces in all sorts of lengths and colours, I'm not sure whether you'd be able to find a supply in sufficient length and pure cotton unfortunately.

[@sydsmith809]

Thanks you, I appreciate this.

[@stinkeyfinger69]

Thank you sooooo much for this video.. I just bought a Canadian military combat og 107 extreme cold weather parka. My wire was brand new and only lasted about a month before it snapped in half close to my left ear. I searched for a good 20 minutes on google before I finally got your video link. Is there a preferred type or is it basically whatever will work that's on hand? I would suppose that copper would eventually get too stiff as it is bent over and over. I may try a couple different kind, brass or stainless or may just get the fur lined hood. Thanks again.👍 What exactly is the write for? Just to hold the hood in place when windy?

[@RiflemanMoore]

I'm really glad to hear it was useful. The wire is to allow the hood to be shaped into a cowl to protect the face from the wind whilst still allowing you a decent field of vision.

[@Ratsotone]

Just out of interest, you said your replacement wire was 1.5mm, was that the same diameter as the broken wire you took out??

[@RiflemanMoore]

Yes, I used the same gauge.

[@dougierbarder]

Not at all useful unless you'be got a hole in it!You'd be better off showing the dressing pocket to help people date their coats(instead of just mentioning it-as they say a picture is worth a thousand words)!

[@RiflemanMoore]

I've yet to encounter a hood with broken wire which hasn't poked a hole through the cloth. As for the dressing pocket there isn't one, as said in the video.