Original 1957 Dated British Military Demobilisation Suit - Size 38L

Original 1957 Dated British Military Demobilisation Suit - Size 38L

Code: 53645

SOLD

A scarce original 1957 dated British three piece single breasted Demob suit a tall size 38 Long and in unworn condition.

This rare suit was made as part of the 'demob' clothing scheme which came into effect in 1942 and was designed to supply those men and women leaving the British forces with a complete set of clothes when they were 'demobilised', or 'discharged', from military service. Original examples of demob clothing are now becoming quite rare, especially unworn examples which still have their original labels such as this.

The jacket is cut in an earlier style and could easily pass for 1940s. It is made from a light brown coloured herringbone striped wool. The jacket is cut short in the body and features no rear vent as was standard during the 1940s. It features a double breasted front with pronounced peaked lapels along with flapped lower pockets and a single breast pocket. The interior is fully lined with a brown coloured rayon material and the original label is present to the interior pocket. It bears the size of 38 Long  and code number of 183.

To the rear of the jacket, the original issue label is still present and confirms that this is an unworn example. It bears the title of 'Demobilised Serviceman SUIT D.B.' and states the size of 38 Long. The 1957 date is present as is the War Department broad arrow marking. This is also evidence of where the same label was fitted to the trousers although it has since been removed.

  The trousers feature a high rise waist and a wide leg as was the fashion in the 1940s and slightly later. The button fly is typical of British suits of this era as is the single rear pocket which fastens with a button. The front of the trousers features a twin pleat and turn ups can be found to the bottom of each leg. Buttons are fitted around the top of the waist to which braces can be attached. There is a small label inside the rear pocket which is the same as the one shown in picture 12 and there is also an approval stamp to one of the pocket bags. 

As stated on the various labels, the suit is designed to fit someone of a 38" chest. When laid flat it measures -

Jacket 
Chest - 20 1/2"
Inside arm - 19 1/2"
Outside arm - 26 1/2""
Shoulders - 17"
Length - 30 1/2"

Trousers
Waist - 16 1/2"
Rise - 15 1/2"
Rear rise - 20"
Inside leg - 33"
Cuff - 10"
Outside leg - 47 1/2"

The suit is in very nice condition overall and displays well. The original label still being attached to the outside of the jacket would suggest that the suit has not been worn but stored. There is however some staining or fading to the jacket, notably to the left sleeve and the left chest area. One of the front buttons on the jacket is also a period replacement and there is a defect to the jacket lining as illustrated in picture 13. Please study the pictures provided before purchasing. 

A stunning original suit, the like of which is very hard to find today. Not only is it a desirable colour but it still retains its original labels making it a collectable in its own right. A must have for the serious British collector!