Original 1945 Dated British Army 'Coats Rubberised No. 1A (Khaki)' - Size 9

A scarce original 1945 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 a very rare original wartime made coat.

The coat is made from a khaki tan coloured cotton canvas material which was used due to its waterproof qualities. It is the light colour used during WW2 rather than the darker, more brown coloured version produced in the 1950s. 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 there are also brown painted metal eyelets fitted to each armpit to allow for some air circulation.  Matching belt is also present which was deleted from the post-war pattern. It features a metal buckle which is covered in brown leather and brown painted eyelets are fitted along the belt. The rear of the coat features a single vent to the skirt.

Inside the coat has a hanging loop at the neck below which is the maker's stamp which bears the 1945 date. The size of 9 is marked below this. The original label is also present although it has been worn away leaving the details mostly eligible. There is also a leg strap fitted to the right-hand side and evidence of where another was previously fitted to the left. 

The coat will suit up to a 42" chest and when laid flat is measures - 

Chest - 25 1/2"
Inside arm - 20"
Outside arm - 26"
Shoulders - 19"
Length - 51 1/2"

The coat is in good condition with no serious signs of wear or use. It is still nice and pliable with no notable areas of hardening or similar. There is some wear on the crease on the rear of the left arm as illustrated in picture 13. 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 a wartime date. 

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