Blighty Militaria

Tel: 07729 917 773
Email: blightymilitaria@gmail.com
Web site: https://www.blightymilitaria.com/

Original 1956 Dated Demobilised Servicemen's Double Breasted Raincoat

SOLD

Code: 52321



A very nice original British Army 'Demob' raincoat dated 1956 and in good condition. 

Officially designated 'D.B. Raincoat with belt Demobilised Servicemen', this coat would have been issued to a soldier when he left the Army. The 'Demob' scheme started in 1941 and offered every serviceman the opportunity to acquire a suit, shirts and ties, shoes, hat and coat to help him start his new life as a civilian. This scheme was carried on into the 1950s although the popularity of some of the clothes was waning. Some servicemen had never owned a suit before and had no call to wear one due to their occupation whilst others thought that the styles marked them out in society as ex-services. 

The coat is made from a fawn coloured gaberdine as was highly popular for raincoats throughout the 20th Century. The coat is cut with a raglan sleeve, double breast front and features a removable waist belt. The belt features a grey leather covered slider buckle and grey coloured buttons are fitted throughout the coat. Slash pockets are located to the front and the rear of the coat features a long vent. There are tabs to each cuff to allow them to be fastened tightly around the wrist and another small tab inside the coat to stop the skirt from blowing open in windy conditions. 

The interior of the coat is lined with a striking checked wool cotton material which is typical of the period. The original label is also present to the interior and bears details pertaining to size as well as the 1956 date and the War Department broad arrow marking. 
 

The coat is designed to fit someone with a 40" chest and when laid flat measures - 

Chest - 24"
Inside arm - 20 1/4"
Outside arm - 26"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length - 47"

The coat is in good condition as can be seen in the pictures. It only shows very limited signs of wear and age and overall displays very well. This is a vintage pre-owned coat however so may have small issues commensurate with age. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing. 

All in all a very nice, classic raincoat which could easily pass as being from the 1930s or 1940s. A great addition to any vintage wardrobe!