Extremely Rare 1944 Dated Airborne 'Trousers Parachutists'

Code: 54381

An extremely rare pair of original Second World War 'Trousers Parachutists' trousers clearly dated 1944 and in excellent condition.

This pattern or trousers was developed for British airbourne forces during WW2 and saw specific issue with airbourne regiments as well as with the SAS. 

This particular pair of trousers, like other surviving war dated examples, were made by 'Henry Brown (clothiers) Ltd' who were the most prolific manufactuer of 'Trousers Parachutist' in 1943 and 1944. The pattern was recognised in late 1942 with this company making trousers this specific pattern in 1943 and 1944. A very similar pair, made in 1943, can be seen on page 136 and 137 of Bruce Wilson's book 'Denison'. The label shown in this publication is identical aside from the date whichis 1944, and not 1943, as shown in the book. The font used on the label is an exact match which shows that the factory only changed the date on the label during this period. 

What is particualrly interesting about this particuar pair of trousers is the material used for the lining. The fly and facing of the map pocket are the standard khaki coloured cotton drill, whilst the rest of the lining is a dark green coloured drill material. This is the same material used for 'Drill' battledress jackets during 1943 and 1944 and is a notablely deep and vibrant colour. These 'drill' jackets were produced as a stop-gap form the denim variant as an austerity version and it is clear that this material was used on a similar manner by the Henry Brown factory at some point in 1944. There is no doubt they were short of the standard khaki coloured material for a period and used this material as a stop-gap. It is important to remember that this pattern was made on a small scale, specifically for airborne troops. This is to such a degree that it meant that they were not issued to glider troops and is testiment to how rare and sought-after they are today. 

The trousers are made from the standard khaki green coloured wool serge used for all issue battledress trousers during WW2. The serge has a notably dusky appearance too it which is typical of serge which has been 'AV' proved. This anti vesicarant was appiled to proof uniform against gases used in gas warfare against the enemy. There are no AV stamps inside the trousers but they clearly went through this process which is yet further testiment to the wartime manufacture of these trousers.

Like all standard wartime produced Trousers, Parachutists, the trousers fearture chamois lined slash pockets to each hip. This is illusrated in picture 12. The map pocket located to the front of the left leg is also lined in the same material which is again, typical of trousers produced in 1943 and 1944. By 1945 this lining had been deleted from the pattern. The pocket also features two small press studs to each corner which are another feature of this pattern. Both are brass and made by 'Newey'. 

Another noteworthy feature of this pattern is the knife pocket located to the side seam of the right leg. This is an opening in the seam which fastens with two small metal press studs when not in use. This pocket was designed to house the Fairburn Sykes fighting knife which was often carried by elite units. There is a single brown coloured vegetable ivory (plastic) button inside the pocket to which the FS knife scarbard can be fastened. The same buttons are found through the trousers and are typical of mid-war manufactured battledress. The pocket itself is made from same deep, vibrant green cotton drill material used for the waist lining. The consistant use of this fabric is yet another good indication that this material was used as an austerity measure by Henry Brown during 1944 to fufill their contract. 

A First Field Dressing pocket is fitted to the right upper portoin of the front of the trousers, as is common with many wartime manufactured battledress trousers. These trousers also feature twin dressing pockets to the rear which are another notable feature of airborne trousers. These were designed to house two extra First Field Dressinngs and were believed to suppliment an awkward landing of a parachitsit. They also fasten with chocolate brown coloured vegetable ivroy (plastic) buttons, typical of uniforms made during this period. 

When the internals of the trousers are study, a cutters label is evident to the interior and is found behind the First Field Dress pocket. This is illustrated in picture 15 and is another indiactor the trousers authenticty. This same label is picture on page 137 of Bruce Wilson's book 'Denison'.

INcredibly, the original label is still present to the rear exterior of the trousers. It matches the 1943 date pair shown in Bruce Wilson's book exactly but bares a 1944 date, rather than a 1943 date. This proves how original the trousers are and also confrims that this manufacturer use a different lining material for a period during in 1944. The label states the title of 'Trousers Parachtists' along with the size of 13, the manufacture;s name and the date of 1944. The War department arrow is also evident. This label matches the 1943 dated pair in Bruce Wilson's book excalty, although dated a year later. 

The trousers are in excellent conditon with limited sign if wear and use. There are some small areas of age etc but overall they dislpay very well. There are some stains etc and a small loss of stiching to the seat which is illustrated in picture 21. This is only noticable on close inspection and not evident when the trousers are displayed. It is only one layer of stitching and is only noticable under close scrutiny. It is cover in the interior by a piece of lining. Please study the pictures as these are a vintage pair of pre-owned trousers. 

This is a unique oppurinty to own a pair of very rare trousers which were only produced in small numbers. The dark green cotton drill lining only serves to make these an even more rare wartime example of 'Trousers, Parachutits' - posibly the only known serviving pair from this wartime manufacture. 

These are without a doubt a rare and sought after piece of wartime battledress trousers which are undoubetly missing from many collections.