Scarce Original 1940 Dated Brown British Army Anti Gas Brassard

A rare original British Army anti gas brassard dating from the early part of the Second World War.

These brassards were produced as part of the wider range of anti-gas equipment issued to British soldiers during the late 1930s. Four of these were issued to all ranks with spares to be carried in the respirator haversack which is undoubtedly how this one survived. The creased folds seen in the pictures are from where they have been stored inside a gas mask bag for many decades. They were worn on both sleeves (only one for NCO's so their rank was not obscured) with the cotton loop fitted over the epaulette to secure them. They would change colour in a gas attack and alert the men to take the necessary action. 

This example is an early war manufactured brassard as it is a brown colour - later in the war they were a much lighter shade. The original date stamp is still present and reads 2/40 which denotes February 1940 as the manufacture date and brackets this perfectly as a BEF period item. The maker's initials are also present. 

The item is in good condition as can be seen in the pictures and it displays well with no damage or similar. 

A very hard to find early war item which is a must have for the serious collector.  

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