Code: 53429
A fine original example of an early Second World War Denim Battledress Blouse in fantastic unworn, new old stock condition and clearly dated 1940.
Introduced at the beginning of the Second World War as a replacement for the earlier fatigues issued in the Great War and inter-war periods, it closely followed the design of the wool Battledress introduced in 1938 but is made from denim and has removable buttons and waist buckle. These first pattern jackets feature pleated breast pockets which were deleted on the later model introduced by 1942.
This example was made in the September of 1940 by 'Polikoff Ltd' and features the correct early wire waist buckle which is held on with stamped brass buttons as are often found on early manufactured items. As well as this the jacket is fitted with a set of the correct early war flat type revolving shank buttons which are all held in place with brass split rings.
The original label is still present inside the jacket and is bright and legible. Along with the maker's name, the size of 6 is stated which is designed to fit a 38" - 40" chest and a 34" - 35" waist. The label bears the title 'Blouse Denim No. 2' along with the September 1940 date and the War Department broad arrow marking. There is also a War Department acceptance stamp which is not surmounted by a letter code as is sometimes found on early war manufactured items.
Chest - 23 3/4"
Waist - 19"
Inside arm - 18 1/4"
Outside arm - 24 1/2"
Shoulders - 18 1/2"
The jacket is in fantastic, unissued condition with no real signs of wear or use. It is still a deep colour as it would have been original and not a washed-out example. The only small flaw I can find is a small nick to the reverse of the waist belt as pictured. The jacket still has that 'crisp' new feeling which is quite incredible for a jacket which is over 80 years old!
All in all a great example of this early war pattern of blouse with all the right features and fittings. This would be very hard to better!
