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Original 1942 Dated British Army Khaki Drill Shorts - Indian made with German Army Buttons
SOLD
Code: 51133
An original pair of Indian made British Army Khaki Drill Shorts in good condition and clearly dated Deceber 1942.
Indian manufactured Khaki Drill items such as this saw widespread issue with British troops throughout the Second World War in the Middle East, Far East and Italy amongst other places.
This particular pair of shorts are typical of wartime Indian made shorts featuring a First Field Dressing pocket to the rear and slash pockets to each side seam. The front of the shorts fastens with two small buckles as was standard for British shorts in the Second World War. The shorts retain their original chromium plated buckles which are often missing.
What is really fascinating about these shorts is that the original fly buttons have been replaced with German buttons. This is how the shorts came to me and looks to be a period conversion. All the buttons are original and maker marked as can be seen in the pictures. It is well know that the Africa Corps used up British Stocks of Khaki Drill they captured, such as the stores on Crete. This could perhaps explain why they have these buttons!
Inside the shorts are the usual Indian stamps found in Khaki Drill items. The circular date stamp is present to the rear of the pocket bag and states the manufacture date as December 1942. A second larger manufactures stamp can be found in the waistband which bares the manufactures initials of 'A.A' as well as the 1942 date.
The shorts are a good larger size and when laid flat measure -
Waist - 18"
inseam - 12 1/2"
The shorts are in very good condition for their age and display well. They have clearly been worn and laundered but have survived well with only minor soiling. Please study the pictures as they form part of the description.
Altogether a very good pair of war dated British issue shorts complete with their metal buckles. These would make a good addition to any collection and would suit both a collector and re-enactor well.