Code: 53891
An original 1940 dated British made three piece grey pinstripe suit in excellent condition.
This suit was made on the 27th June 1940 in Manchester so just before clothing rationing took effect. It is incredible to think that the original owner was having this made just after the withdrawal from Dunkirk and at the beginning of the Battle of Britain!
The jacket is a double breasted, peak lapel example with wide lapels which both feature button holes. An angled welt pocket is located to the chest with two more welt pockets located towards the bottom of the coat. The jacket is cut short in the body - a style often referred to as 'bum freezer', which is again typical of the era. There is no rear vent and the sleeves feature a semi-functioning cuff which denotes this as a high quality bespoke suit, rather than a cheaper off-the-peg suit.
The interior of the jacket is fully lined with a grey coloured Venetian lining which is another high quality attribute of this suit. Inside the interior pocket, the original tailors label is still present and is bright and legible. It bears the maker's name of 'Vincent Smethurst Ltd' and the address of 8 King Street, Manchester. The original owners name of 'H. L. Bickerton' is also present as is the date of June the 27th 1940.
The waistcoat is a six button example and is made from a matching cloth. It features four welt pockets to the front and the usual cinch back belt and buckle to the rear whilst the rear panel is also made from the high quality, grey coloured Venetian material. A cinch-back belt and buckle is fitted to the rear and the buckle is marked 'Prima'.
The trousers are cut in a keeping with a high rise waist and feature a button fly. More buttons are fitted around the waist which are designed to support braces. The trousers feature twin pleats to the front, slash pockets to each side and a turn up to each cuff.
The suit is a small size and will suit a shorter person of around a 36" chest amda 28" waist. When laid flat it measures -
Jacket
Chest - 19 1/2"
Inside arm - 18 1/4"
Outside arm - 25"
Shoulders - 17 1/4"
Length - 29 1/2"
Waistcoat
Chest - 19"
Length - 19 1/2"
Trousers
Waist -14"
Rise - 12 1/2"
Rear rise - 18 1/2"
Inside leg - 31 1/2"
Outside leg - 43 1/2"
Cuff - 8 1/2"
The suit is in good condition with only limited signs of age and use. There are a couple of small blemishes to the rear of the collar (picture 13) and some minor discolouration to the rear of the waistcoat (picture 18). Overall the suit is very wearable with only a couple of very small issues commensurate with age. Please study the pictures before purchasing.
A nice original 1940s suit in a small size and great cut. This could make a great addition to any WW2 or 1940s collection.
