Original 1940 Dated British Army First Pattern

Code: 52585

An original 1940 dated British Army first pattern denim battledress blouse in a large size No. 9. 

Introduced at the beginning of the Second World War as a replacement for the earlier fatigues issued in the Great War and interwar periods, it closely followed the design of the Battledress introduced in 1940 but was made from denim and has removable buttons.

This jacket is an early issue example which was only made prior to 1942 when it was superseded by the austerity pattern. The most obvious feature of the first pattern jacket is the pleated chest pockets. The material is also a different hue to post-war manufactured items. A huge stockpile of these jackets was left behind in France following the evacuation from Dunkirk. They fell into the hands of the Kriegsmarine who used them during the rest of the war. 

The jacket features a chromium plated waist buckle which is held on with stamped brass buttons, as are often found on early manufactured items. The jacket is fitted with a mis-matched set of revolving shank buttons which are all held in place with original split pins. 

The original label is still present inside the jacket and is in good condition. It bears the title of 'Overalls, Blouses, Denim No. 2 and the size of No. 9 which is designed to fit a 38" - 40" chest and a 33" - 35" waist. The maker's name is 'Rego Clothiers Ltd' is present and the year of manufacture is marked as 1940. Adjacent to this is the War Department broad arrow marking. 

When laid flat the jacket measures -

Chest - 23"
Waist - 18"
Inside arm - 19 3/4"
Outside arm - 26"
Shoulders - 17 3/4"

The jacket is in good condition overall with some signs of wear and use.  It has a small hole to the rear, a tear to the inside of the left sleeve and there is some wear around the collar. One of the collar hooks has also been removed. Overall the jacket displays well and is wearable but please study the pictures before purchasing. 

A hard to find early war example which is in good condition. Not only this but it still retains its original issue label which are so often missing!