Original 1955 Dated British Denim Battledress Blouse - Size 5

 An original British Army Denim Battledress Blouse dated 1955 and in a size No. 5.

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, the design closely followed the serge Battledress introduced in 1938 but was made from denim and had removable buttons. This is a second pattern or 'austerity' version which does not feature the pleated pockets of the first pattern jacket.

The jacket is made from the standard denim material and features pockets to the chest. It features butterscotch coloured revolving shank buttons which are held on with period brass split rings to the reverse whilst the waist fastens with a chromium plated buckle. Both epaulettes have two small holes to them which would suggest that a rank star or similar was previously fitted to the jacket. 

Inside the jacket the original label is still present and bears the title 'OVERALLS Denim Blouses CD. 33' which denotes that it was made as part of a contract for the Civil Defence. The 1955 date is present as is the War Department broad arrow marking and various details relating to sizes. The size is marked as 5 which is designed to fit a 35-37" chest and a 31-33" waist.

When laid flat the jacket measures - 

Chest - 22 1/2"
Waist - 17"
Inside arm - 18 1/2"
Outside arm - 24 1/2"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length - 22 1/2"

The jacket is in good condition as can be seen in the pictures. It has signs of wear and use and has clearly been laundered. There is some staining but overall it is a very wearable jacket but is a vintage pre-worn item so may have small issues consummate with its age.
 

A nice original example of a Denim Blouse in good wearable condition.