Original 1944 Dated British Army Drill Battledress Blouse

Code: 52436

A rare original 1944 dated Drill Battledress Blouse in new old stock un-issued condition.

At first glance this jacket appears to be a standard wartime pattern Denim Battledress Blouse but is in fact the 'Drill' version - So called because it is made of cotton drill, rather than denim. These drill blouses were made throughout the Second World War alongside the Denim examples and look identical aside from the much greener material. 

The jacket is fitted with a full matched set of butterscotch coloured revolving shank buttons which are all held on with economy steel split rings manufactured in the mid-war period. A wartime pattern chromium plated waist buckle fastens the waist and is held on with green horn buttons as was standard for late war manufacture.

Inside the original label is still present and is still bright and legible. It bears the title of 'Overalls, Blouse - Drill', the size of 4 and the manufacturer's name of 'Chas. Williams & Co Ltd'. The 1944 date is also present as is the War Department broad arrow marking. As well as the original label the War Department acceptance stamp is also present as us surmounted by the letter 'M' which confirms 1944 as the year of manufacture.

The jacket is designed to fit someone of a 37" - 39" chest and when laid flat measures - 

Chest - 23 1/2"
Waist - 18"
Inside arm - 16 1/2"
Outside arm - 23 1/4"
Shoulders - 
Length - 18 1/2"

The jacket is in fantastic new old stock condition and looks as it would have done when it came out of the factory. It clearly hasn't been worn or issued making it a fantastic collectible piece today.

A fantastic example of a piece of British military workwear with some interesting details and in stunning condition. This would make a great addition to any collection without a doubt!