An original RAF Officers Service Dress made by Burton under the CC41 utility clothing scheme in the late 1940s.
This Service Dress was made in the mid to late 1940s and is the later three button front pattern. It features brass kings crown buttons and a brass waist belt buckle. As well as this it features brass collar badges which denote the trade of dentist, making this quite an interesting uniform in its own right. The cuff of the jacket features two rings which denote the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
The trousers are typical of the era featuring a wide cut to the leg and a button fly which fastens with caramel coloured buttons - a popular choice for RAF Service Dress during this period. A single rear pocket fastens with another similar button.
The jacket features the makers label above the flapped inner pocket and it reads 'Montague Burton, The tailor of taste'. This label is a common one to find in 1940s suits but much rarer in military uniforms such as this. There is another paper 'cutters' label inside the pocket which bares various details relating to the making of the jacket. There is also an area in the side seam of the jacket lining where a CC41 label was clearly fitted original but has been subsequently removed.
The trousers feature the CC41 label and the code X209F/2. The addition of this label makes this a collectable set in its own right!
The suit is a smaller size and will fit around a 36" chest and a 30" waist depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures -
Jacket
Chest - 19 1/2"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 25 1/2"
Length - 31"
Shoulders -17"
Trousers
Waist - 15"
Inside leg - 31"
Cuff - 11"
The condition of the set is very good with only limited signs of wear and use. It is still a deep RAF blue colour and has not been heavily washed out. There is a section about 1" long where the lining meets the collar which could do with being re-attached but this is not visible when worn or displayed.
All in all this is a very nice set with some very interesting details. The branch of service is an uncommon one to find and the CC41 labels make it something more interesting than the standard suits found for sale.
