Original Early WW2 First Pattern Denim Battledress Blouse

A nice original example of an early Second World War Denim Battledress Blouse.

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 1938  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This jacket is an early issue example which was only made prior to 1942 when it was superseded by the austerity pattern.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. The jacket features the correct early wire waist buckle which is held on with stamped  brass buttons as are often found on early manufactured items. As well as this the jacket is fitted with a set of the correct early war flat type revolving shank buttons.

Sadly the original label is no longer present although there is clear evidence of where it was originally attached. The jacket is a smaller size which will suit around a 36" chest and when laid flat measures -

Chest - 21"
Waist - 16 1/2"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 23 1/2"
Shoulders - 18"
Length at rear - 22"

The jacket is in very good condition with only very limited signs of wear or use. It is still a deep colour as it would have been original and not a washed-out example. Overall it displays very well but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

All in all a great example of this early war pattern of blouse with all the right features and fittings.