Code: 55813
An original pair of Indian made British military Khaki Drill Shorts in good condition and clearly dated 1945.
Indian manufactured Khaki Drill items such as this saw widespread issue with British troops throughout the Second World War in the Middle East, Far East and Italy amongst other places. This style with the double buckle closure is often referred to as 1941 pattern by collectors.
This particular pair of shorts are typical of wartime Indian made shorts featuring a First Field Dressing pocket to the rear and slash pockets to each side seam. The front of the shorts fastens with two straps and buckles as was common with British shorts during the Second World War. The fly buttons are typical of Indian made KD clothing but interestingly are marked 'U.S. Army'. The shorts are clearly the British pattern so perhaps made as part of the lend lease scheme? The waist belt buckles are the original single prong type which are often missing on shorts found today.
Inside the shorts are the usual Indian stamps found in Khaki Drill items. The circular date stamp is present to the rear of the pocket bag and states the manufacture date of 1945. There is also a makers stamp present which bears the manufacturers initials of 'B. U. C. Co' and the 1945 date, once again.
The shorts will suit someone of around a 30" waist and when laid flat measure -
Waist - 15"
Rise - 13 1/2"
Rear rise - 17"
Inside leg - 8 1/2"
Outside leg - 21"
Cuff - 14"
The shorts are in good condition with some signs of wear and age. There are some marks etc but overall they display well. Please study the pictures as they form part of the description and bear in mind that these are a pre-worn pair of vintage shorts which may have small issues commensurate with age.
Altogether a good pair of rare early war British issue shorts with a clear wartime date. These would make a good addition to any collection and would suit both a collector or re-enactor well.
