Original 1941 Dated British Army Dispatch Rider's Waterproof Coat

An original 1941 dated British Army dispatch rider's rubber proofed cotton canvas short pattern coat in a size 5.

This pattern of coat was introduced at the very beginning of the Second World War for motorcyclists alongside a matching set of breeches which were made in the same material. They saw limited issue in France in 1939-40 and were issued on a wider scale in Great Britain following the withdrawal from dunkirk. This pattern of jacket was replaced with the more common longer version and is now a hard to find pattern of jacket. 

The jacket is made from a rubber proofed cotton canvas and features a double breasted front which fastens with buttons. There is a double flap feature with an extra row of internal buttons which acts as a draft excluder. Metal grommets are fitted under each armpit and act as vents and inside the sleeve there is a storm cuff which fastens with a metal press stud. 

The original stamps are still present to the interior and include the maker's initials, the 1941 date and the size of 5. There is also a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'P' which confirms 1941 as the year of issue. 

When laid flat the coat measures - 

Chest - 21 1/2"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 26"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length at rear - 33"

The coat is in good condition with only very limited signs of wear. The material is quite stiff as usual but it is still pliable. There is also a mark to the left sleeve which is illustrated in picture 4. Overall it displays well but please bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A nice original example with a clear early war date. 

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