Original 1940 Dated British First Pattern Denim Battledress Blouse

A nice original example of an early Second World War Denim Battledress Blouse which is clearly dated March 1940.

Introduced at the beginning of the Second World War as a replacement for the earlier fatigues issued in the Great War and inter-war periods, it closely followed the design of the Battledress introduced in 1938 but was made from denim and has removable buttons.

This jacket is an early issue example which was only made prior to 1942 when it was superseded by the austerity pattern. The most obvious feature of the first pattern jacket is the pleated chest pockets. The material is also a different hue to post-war manufactured items. The jacket features the correct early wire waist buckle which is held on with stamped  brass buttons as are often found on early manufactured items. As well as this the jacket is fitted with butterscotch coloured revolving shank buttons which are all held in place with the correct split rings.

The original label is still present inside the jacket and is bright and legible. It bears the title 'Overall Blouse Denim No. 2 below which is the size of 5 which is intended to fit a 35" - 37" chest. The jacket was made by a rare to find maker called 'Malcolm Rowe Ltd' and it is clearly dated March 1940. The War Department broad arrow marking is also present. As well as this the original War Department acceptance stamp is also still present and is surmounted by the letter 'Q' which denotes 1940 as the year of issue.   

The jacket is a smaller size which will suit around a 36" - 38" chest and when laid flat measures -

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

The jacket is in very good condition with only very limited signs of wear or use. It is still a deep colour as it would have been original and not a washed-out example. There are a couple of white marks to the rear as illustrated in the pictures. Overall it displays very well but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

All in all a great example of this early war pattern of blouse with a nice clear early war date.