Original 1942 Dated Middlesex Regiment Battledress Blouse 3rd Division

A fantastic original battledress blouse which belonged to a machine gunner of the 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment. 

This jacket is the standard 1940 pattern produced from the middle of 1940 until 1942 when it was superseded by the austerity pattern. It is made from khaki green coloured wool serge and features stamped brass buttons throughout. The waist belt buckle is a chromium gripper type as is common to find on jackets made in this year. 

The jacket comes complete with its original insignia which has been relatively crudely sewn on, quite possible by the original owner. The shoulder titles are wartime economy printed examples and bear the word 'Middlesex' in white on a red field. What is particularly nice about the titles is they have clearly been removed from a jacket and reapplied to this one leaving a dark mark where they were previously folded back on themselves. This would suggest the original owner removed them from his old jacket when issued with a new jacket which would account for the condition of the blouse. Below the shoulder titles embroidered 3rd division formation flashes and a simple red Arm of Service stripe is located below these. The lower portion of the left sleeve is fitted with a machine gunner trade badge. 

Inside the jacket the original label is still present and is bright and legible. It bears the title 'Battledress, Blouse 1940 Pattern' below which is the size of 9. The maker's name of 'Chamberlain Ltd., Norwich' is present as is the War Department broad arrow marking. As well as this there is an issue stamp with the date of March 1944. There is also a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'O' which confirms 1942 as the year of manufacture. 

The jacket is in excellent condition as can be seen in the pictures. There are a few very small flaws such as moth grazes and the end of the waist belt is worn from use which can make it difficult to pass through the buckle. Overall it displays very well but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have some small flaws commensurate with age. 

A very nice original jacket with great insignia.