Original Early WW2 British Denim Battledress Blouse - Size 40

A scarce original early Second World War first pattern British Army denim battledress blouse in good condition.

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 1940 but was made from denim and had 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This jacket is an early issue example which was only made prior to 1942 when it was superseded by the austerity pattern.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 with this example having a notably deeper tone to it. A huge stockpile of these jackets was left behind in France following the evacuation from Dunkirk where they fell into the hands of the Kriegsmarine who used them during the rest of the war. 

The jacket features the correct early wire waist buckle which is held on with two stamped brass buttons as are often found on early manufactured items. As well as this the jacket is fitted with butterscotch colored revolving shank buttons.

The original label is no longer present inside the jacket although there is a War Department acceptance stamp.

The jacket will suit 40" chest and when laid flat it measures -

Chest - 23 1/2"
Waist - 18 3/4"
Inside arm - 17"
Outside arm - 23 1/4"
Shoulders - 18"
Length - 23"

The jacket is in good condition with some signs of wear and use. Overall it is a clean example with no serious flaws or damage and it is totally wearable. This is a vintage, pre-owned item so may have small issues commensurate with age but overall looks to be a very good example. 

A hard to find early war example in a larger size. 

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