Rare Original 1939 Dated RAF Officer's Greatcoat

Code: 54050

An original 1939 dated Royal Air Force Officer's Greatcoat which belonged to a Squadron Leader.

This is the standard pattern of greatcoat worn by officers in the RAF from the pre-war period and all the way through the Second World War. It was replaced in the immediate post-war years with a new pattern. The coat is made from a heavy RAF blue coloured crombie cloth and features a full waist belt with brass buckle, a 3 button cuff with brass RAF buttons with more RAF buttons which fasten the front.

The interior of the coat is partially lined with rayon and the original throat latch is still present. There is a metal hanging chain at the neck and there is a single interior pocket which bears the original label. The maker's name is present as is the owner's name of G. L. Siday and the date of 13th of November 1939.

The coat comes complete with a set of shoulder boards which are original to the coat and are a good match. They feature the rank of Squadron Leader and are secured with the correct brass King's crown buttons.

The coat is a smaller size and will suit someone of around a 37" chest depending on desired fit and when laid flat measures - 

Chest - 21 1/2"
Inside arm - 17"
Outside arm - 24 1/2"
Length - 47"
Shoulders - 18"

The condition of the coat is good for its age but there are plenty of signs of wear and use. There is wear and discolouration around the collar as well as some other limited staining. There are some small areas where moth has attacked the crombie wool material but these are only noticeable when under close scrutiny. The early date and the wear would suggest that the coat saw a lot of use throughout the war and researching the original owner could be very interesting.

Overall a nice original wartime Greatcoat with a hard to find early date.