Scarce Original Early WW2 Battledress Serge Blouse - Size 6

Scarce Original Early WW2 Battledress Serge Blouse - Size 6

Code: 54629

SOLD

An original early WW2 'Battledress, Serge' jacket dating from between 1938 and June 1940. 

This pattern of battledress is the first pattern to come into service, replacing the earlier Service Dress uniform in 1938. It was worn during the first two years of the war and saw service during the Phoney War, The Battle for France and the Dunkirk evacuation before being replaced with the 1940 pattern in the later part of the summer of the same year. This pattern did still see limited use throughout the rest of the war and was by no means only worn in the first couple of years. Unlined collar jackets were very sought-after, particularly by officers, who wanted to wear the jacket open with a shirt and tie. The unlined collar was perceived to look much smarter than an example with a lined collar.

This jacket has all the correct early features including the unlined collar, wire waist buckle and twin inside pockets. The buttons are stamped brass examples as are usually found on early battledress although some have been replaced with 'Bulldog' branded buttons. These are typically found on items which saw service use during the war. They could be bought privately and could be fitted without needing to sew. The jacket has also been tailored with two pleats being added to the front below the collar and the collar itself has also been tailored to be a smaller fit as is evident by the seam in the rear of the neck. 

The label is no longer present to the interior but there is a size stamp of 6. There is also an Anti Vesicant stamp for September 1944 so the jacket was clearly re-issued in that year. The original owner has also added his name and serial number which may offer the prospect of further research. 

When laid flat the jacket measures - 

Chest - 22 1/2"
Waist - 16 1/2"
Inside arm - 18 1/2"
Outside arm - 24"
Shoulders - 17'
Length at back - 20"

The condition of the jacket is good for its age but it does show some signs of wear and use, as are to be expected with an issued battledress blouse. There is a repair to the rear and a small hole (picture 10) along with other various small defects. Please remember that this is a pre-worn issued item so may have issues commensurate with this.

Early examples of original Battledress serge such as this have become extremely rare to find now making this a rare opportunity to add one to your collection!