Item: Portuguese Angola War SADF 32BN FAPLA Lizard Camo HBT Combat Shirt
Size/Markings:Carries the original Size "0" tag at the inside neck. In Portuguese sizing, 0 is one of the largest, while 6 is the smallest. The shirt measures 21" from underarm to underarm across the chest, 19 3/4" from shoulder to shoulder across the back,30" from the collar/body seam to the bottom of the hem down the back, and with a 23 1/8" sleeve from the shoulder to the end of the cuff. Also stamped "MADE IN PORTUGAL / 100% COTTON" and with an "RN" number at the inside neck, all undoubtedly from the time of import into the US.
Condition:This shirt is in Near Mint Condition. A tach-it pinhole at the inside neck. A small spot of whitish soiling at the right elbow. Some light scattered surface nicking at front and back. Some rough sewing along the interior hem. A "V" shaped line of reddish ballpoint pen marked at the interior lower left front. Retains nearly 100% of the bright, vibrant, and distinct Portuguese lizard camouflage colors.Boasts the classic single exposed button flap closure pleated chest pockets, features button cuffs, button shoulder straps, and a pleated middle back, and sports all of the original small flat rimmed brown plastic buttons throughout.
Historical Background:The Portuguese won their African empire wearing chain mail and armor; 400 years later they sailed away wearing camouflage fatigues. Their distinctive lizard pattern camo went on to become the model for half a continent, and was used by, among others, the SADF's elite 32 Battalion, as well as their adversaries, SWAPO and FAPLA. We have shown a photo of South African soldiers during Operation Savannah in 1976; the "troopie" at right wears a similar Portuguese lizard camouflage shirt.
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