Code: 55896
A rare original 1943 dated British Army Khaki Drill shirt which was made by 'Belstaff' and is in un-issued condition.
These original wartime shirts are becoming hard to find today, let alone in un-issued, new old stock condition and with clear markings. The markings usually fade away with light wear and washing so to find a shirt in such good condition today is difficult.
This pattern or shirt was introduced at the beginning of the Second World War and was issued to all ranks of the British Army and also saw use with the RAF. It is made from cellular cotton which is often referred to as 'aertex' and is a lightweight, breathable fabric ideally suited to the hot climates. It features long sleeves, two pleated breast pockets, a stand and fall collar and removable epaulettes. Brown coloured plastic buttons fasten the front, the cuffs and the breast pockets - all of which are in perfect order save for one which is partly broken as illustrated in picture 5.
Inside the collar of the shirt the original markings are still bright and legible. The makers initials of 'B.M.C' are present and Belstaff as the manufacturer. adjacent to this is the 1943 date and the War Department broad arrow marking. The numeral '1' is also present and relates to size.
The shirt is a small size and when laid flat the shirt measures -
Chest - 20 1/2"
Inside arm - 20"
Outside arm - 23"
Length - 36 1/2"
Shoulders - 16 3/4"
Collar - 14"
The shirt is in stunning unworn condition and could be described as 'deadstock'. It may have small issues such as marks from storage but overall it displays extremely well. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage item which may have small flaws commensurate with age.
A very fine example of this pattern of shirt with a clear wartime date and in excellent, unworn condition.
This would be very hard to better and is a must have for the serious collector.
