The smectic A to smectic C* transition of a commercial ferroelectric mixture (SCE13 and its racemic mixture) has been studied within a surface stabilised cell using X-ray ‘rocking curve’ techniques. An unusual distribution of the layer orientation in the smectic A phase implies the existence of a tilted structure. This phenomenon in the smectic A phase is believed to be a result of an unusual temperature dependence of the layer thickness and a comparison with a typical material is reported.