Code: 55867
An original Indian made leather jerkin as issued to the British Army and RAF in the Middle and Far East Theatres of wartime, dating from the Second World War.
This pattern of jerkin is similar to the standard British Used in both world wars but is unlined, features removable buttons and has six buttons rather than the standard four on British made examples. The leather body of the jerkin is also noticeably different as it comes from a different animal.
This jerkin was most likely owned by an 'old soldier'; that is a soldier who had been in the army for many years. He has fitted brass general service buttons to the front of the garment which are held in place with a boot lace to the rear. This is typical of the way soldiers fitted their buttons in the Great War as it allowed them to be easily removed for cleaning and polishing. The original owner has also had a grey wool lining added to the interior of the jerkin which would not have had a lining originally. As well as this pleated pockets have been fitted to the interior and feature scalloped pockets which fasten with a revolving shank button.
Inside the jerkin there is no date but this pattern was only produced during the Second World War so cannot date from a later period. The original owner has added his name and service number to the interior in ink which reads 'H A Salway'. This is a record of this man being a second lieutenant in 1943 and made temporary captain in June 1944.
The jerkin is a small size which will fit around a 34" chest depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures -
Chest - 20 1/2"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length - 25 1/2"
The condition of the jerkin is good as can be seen in the issues. The leather has a fantastic patina and is sound on the whole and there are no serious flaws or issues. There is some limited moth damage to the lining which is evident in the pictures. Overall it displays well but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage item with small flaws commensurate with age.
All in all a good original example of this rare pattern of jerkin with a nice additional period lining.
