Original 1941 Dated Indian Made British Army Khaki Drill Jodhpurs

A rare original pair of India made Khaki Drill Mounted breeches which have been converted into jodhpurs. These Jodhpurs belonged to Major B D Ashton who was a member of the Royal Army Service Corps in the inter-war period and served throughout the Second World War. He was awarded the North Africa Star, Italy Star and France and Germany Star so he certainly saw some action.

These jodhpurs started life as standard Indian made mounted pattern khaki drill breeches but have been converted into jodhpurs by the original owner. Made from a khaki coloured whipcord the jodhpurs feature a straight back which has been converted from the original fishtail back. The fly fastens with stamped metal buttons which are marked 'Model Industries 1940' which is a style often seen on pre-war and early war Indian manufactured items. Extra sections of whipcord material have been added to the bottom of each leg to turn the breeches in jodhpurs. The most interesting detail is the double reinforcement to the inside legs. Whilst breeches commonly have a single section to the inside of each leg, these have another higher up which starts at the crotch and is overlapped by the sections fitted lower down.

The rear of the breeches features a single pleated First Field Dressing pocket made from the same material as the rest of the article. This rear positioning is typical of wartime manufactured KD items. The original owner has also had belt loops added around the waist. 

The interior of the breeches features the standard Indian date stamp with the maker's name of 'Shah' and the date of September 1941. 

The breeches will fit someone of around a 34" waist and when laid flat measure - 

Waist - 17"
Rise - 14"
Rear rise - 18 1/2"
Inside leg - 32 1/2"
Calf - 7"
Cuff - 6 1/2"

The breeches are in good condition as can be seen in the pictures. They have some limited signs of wear and display well. They are still totally wearable but please take time to study the pictures and bear in mind that they are a pre-worn, vintage item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A very nice pair of early war converted breeches with an early date. The fact that they are attributed is also a nice detail.