Scarce Original Great War British Army Ordinary Ranks Tunic

A very rare original British Army 1902 Pattern Service Dress Tunic to a Lance Corporal of the 1/4th (Denbighshire) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers who served during the Great War. 

This pattern of jacket was introduced in 1915 and saw extensive issue throughout the First World War. It is made from a khaki coloured wool serge material which has a dusky hue which is typical of jackets made in this period. It features pleated breast pockets, lower pockets with flaps and a five button front. All the buttons are the correct brass General Service pattern and rifle patches are located to each shoulder with large twin pleats below the collar which is one of the most notable features of a 1902 pattern tunic. The collar itself has been converted by the original owner and it appears to have been a professional job. This style of conversion was very popular during the Great War and can be seen in many period photographs. It involves having the reverse of the fall of the collar removed which makes it much thinner and allows it to sit in a much neater manner. The collar has also had a lining added, most likely at the same time as the alterations were carried out. 

The tunic is fitted with a range of insignia which including Lance Corporal stripes to both sleeves and a set of overseas chevrons are fitted to the lower portion of the right sleeve which denote that the original owner landed in France in 1914 and served there for four years. The previous owner has fitted a Mons Star medal ribbon to the left breast to reflect this as well as the wound stripe to the lower portion of the left sleeve. There were a very clear set of holes to the collar where pioneer badges had previously been fitted so these have been replaced. Original 4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusilier brass shoulder titles are fitted to each epaulette. There are no other holes ot the epaulettes, save for two on each which may be from where the edges of the 'RWF' section have rubbed or could be from where a more simple version of the shoulder titles were previously fitted. 

Inside the jacket the lining is made from a white coloured cotton material. The pocket reinforcing strips are made from a single piece construction which dates this jacket to being made in 1915 or later. The First Field Dressing pocket is also made from the same material. These parts would have originally been white but have become very grubby with extended service use. The original label is no longer present due to this but the War Department acceptance stamp is. Like the rest of the interior it is worn but it is still legible. Crucially, it has the letter below the War Department broad arrow confirming this is a wartime example as the letter was moved to be above in 1918. The letter 'M' is present which denotes that it went through the Marylebone depot in London. 

The tunic is in well worn condition and has an incredible look to it which is impossible to replicate. It is heavily worn and shows signs of soiling etc but this is clearly genuine service wear. The jacket was clearly worn in France and when it came back to England was preserved in the same state. There is heavy staining to the lining materials and a variety of holes throughout the serge material which is most evident to the arms and the skirt which are the most exposed elements when worn with webbing equipment and other accoutrements. There is also some damage to the collar and stitching around the bottom of the left breast pocket has rotted away although the pocket is still in place. There is also an opening to the top of the right lower pocket flap although it is possible that this was opened up by the original owner. These tunics were cut wide in the body and the original owner has had this example tailored in on the waist, probably at the same time as the collar was altered. The seam added to create this on the left side has popped through wear which is illustrated in picture 17.

This is a truly stunning example of a Great War tunic which was worn by someone who took part as it has been extremely well preserved. This would make an excellent addition to any collection without a doubt. 

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