Original 1954 Dated British Army 'Coats Rubberised No. 1A (Khaki)'

A scarce original 1954 dated British Army 'Coat Rubberproofed No. 1A (khaki) which is in good condition. 

This pattern of coat was introduced in 1941 and was intended for the Royal Military Police who specifically needed a good quality waterproof coat for traffic duties and other tasks specific to the RMP. It stayed in production in virtually unchanged form well into the 1950s with this example being from that later period. 

The coat is made from a khaki coloured cotton canvas material which was used due to its waterproof qualities. All the seams to the interior are sealed with rubberised cloth tape to further waterproof the garment. The coat features a single breasted front with fly covered buttons as well as flapped pockets to the skirt. A stand and fall collar is present and features a throat latch to the underside as illustrated in picture 4. There are also brown painted metal eyelets fitted to each armpit to allow for some air circulation. The rear of the coat features a single vent to the skirt which is fastened with a single button halfway up it. 

Inside the coat has a hanging loop at the neck and a small tab to the skirt to allow the front halves to be fastened together. There are two labels glued into the interior with the one at the neck being a care label. The one fitted lower down on the skirt is the issue label and bears the title along with the size of 20 which is designed to fit someone up to 6'2" tall with a 39" - 40" chest. The maker's name of 'Greengate & Irwell Rubber Co Ltd' is present as is the 1954 date and the War Department broad arrow. The date has been overstamped in purple with 1956 which would suggest that this is the year of issue. 

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

Chest - 22 1/2"
Inside arm - 19 1/2"
Outside arm - 27"
Shoulders - 18"
Length - 51"

The coat is in good condition with no serious signs of wear or use. It is still nice and pliable with areas of hardening or similar. Overall it displays very well and looks to be very wearable but please take time to study the pictures and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A rare original British military raincoat in good condition which is complete with all of it's original labels.