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Original WW2 Home Guard Officers Uniform Grouping - 40th West Riding
SOLD
Code: 50845
An original Home Guard Service Dress uniform to a Captain in the 40th West Riding (Dewsbury) Battalion which was based in Batley.
This grouping consists of a Service Dress Jacket and Trousers, a very nice peaked cap and a matching greatcoat.
The Service Dress jacket is the standard pre economy pattern and features Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry collar badges and buttons as well as three pips on each epaulette, denoting the rank of Captain. The shoulders bare embroidered Home Guard shoulder titles as well as black on khaki embroidered district and area titles which are truly stunning. Two Great War medal ribbons can also be found in their rightful place above the left-hand breast pocket. There is no label inside the jacket although there is clear evidence of where one has been previously below the neck of the jacket. This is evident by stitch marks left in the lining.
The trousers are typical of the era and match the tunic. They have clearly always been together. The fly is button and there are buttons for braces around the inside top edge of the trousers. One rear pocket is found on the rear of the trousers which is yet another typical feature of British tailoring.
The cap which comes with this grouping is a fantastic example. A typical early war stiff shape with a quilted liner and leather headband inside. The leather chin strap is original and in excellent condition as are both the OSD buttons which hold it on. Curiously the hat is fitted with what appears to be a KOYLI sweetheart badge rather than the standard OSD cap badge.
Lastly, the greatcoat. This is again a standard wartime pattern Officers example and features the KOYLI buttons as the tunic does. It has no rank insignia on the epaulettes although there is evidence of where this have been removed. It would of course not be difficult to replace them. A metal hanging chain can be found in the neck which is showing signs of corrosion but is solid. Attached to this is what looks like a laundry label which reads '1941 amongst other things. Inside the inner coat pocket is a paper makers label which has the number '42' on it which may also relate to the date of the coat.
Size-wise this should be a good fit on someone of around a 38" chest and 36" waist. The inside sleeve of the jacket is 17" and the inside leg is 29 1/2".
The overall condition of the set is very good as can be seen in the photographs. I can see no serious damage or wear but please remember that these are vintage items and may have age and wear consummate with their age. There is one small hole on the lapel of the tunic next to the collar badge.
Please note that the shirt and tie shown in the pictures are not included in the sale and are just for display purposes.
All in all a cracking uniform grouping which is very original. The Insignia on the tunic is fantastic and the cap is a really standout example. This would make a great addition to any WW2 Home Guard collection without a shadow of a doubt!
I have more photographs of this original set which can be supplied upon request.
