Scarce Original 1939 Dated British Army Anti Gas Over Trousers

A very rare pair of early Second World War British Army Anti Gas Over Trousers dated 1939. 

These trousers are made from the same light tan coloured rubber backed cotton which was used for anti-gas capes at the very beginning of the Second World war. Examples of these rubberised gas capes are now very hard to find and this is the second pair of trousers I have come across. They feature a drawstring waist which features brass eyelets let into the string to aid with handling when wearing anti-gas gloves. These, along with the rest of the pattern, is identical to those made in the more common linseed proofed material. 

Inside the trousers the original War Department acceptance stamp is still present and is bright and legible. It is surmounted by the letter 'R' which denotes 1939 as the year of issue. 

The trousers are in used condition with signs of age. Like many rubberised items from this period, they have dried out giving them a slightly crispy feel and there is some shedding to the interior where the rubber backings is breaking down. This is reflected in the price and they are sold strictly as a display item. 

A very rare piece of WW2 British anti-gas clothing which is almost certainly missing from most collections. A must have for the serious collector!  

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