Scarce Original Early WW2 Battledress Serge Blouse - Size 14

An original early WW2 'Battledress, Serge' jacket clearly dating from the very early part of the Second World War and in a hard to find larger size.

This pattern of battledress is the first pattern to come into service, replacing the earlier Service Dress uniform in 1938. It was worn during the first two years of the war and saw service during the Phoney War, The Battle for France and the Dunkirk evacuation before being replaced with the 1940 pattern in the later part of the summer of the same year. This pattern did still see limited use throughout the rest of the war and was by no means only worn in the first couple of years. Unlined collar jackets were very sought-after, particularly by officers, who wanted to wear the jacket open with a shirt and tie. The unlined collar was perceived to look much smarter than an example with a lined collar.

This jacket has all the correct early features including the unlined collar, wire waist buckle and twin inside pockets. The buttons are stamped brass examples as are usually found on early battledress, and plastic buttons are fitted to the epaulettes - A manufacturing quirk.

The label is still present to the interior and is still bright and legible. It  bears the title of Battle Dress Blouse, Serge' and the makers name of 'Lallander Davies & Ricks Ltd' who are a rare manufacturer to find today. The label also states the size as 14 which is designed to fit a 40" - 41" chest and a 35" - 36" waist. The War Department broad arrow is also present although there is no date. This pattern ceased to be produced in the summer of 1940 so it has to date prior to this. 

When laid flat the jacket measures - 

Chest - 23 1/2"
Waist - 18"
Inside arm - 19"
Outside arm - 25"
Shoulders - 18 1/4'
Length at back - 22"

The condition of the jacket is very good for its age but it does show some signs of wear and use, as is to be expected with an issued battledress blouse. There is a repair to the middle of the back which is illustrated in the pictures. Please remember that this is a pre-worn issued item so may have issues commensurate with this.

Early examples of original Battledress, Serge such as this have become extremely rare to find now, particularly those that still have their original label. Furthermore, this example is a larger size which is incredibly hard to find with any wartime battledress, let alone the rare first pattern.

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'