Original Early WW2 First Pattern British Army Denim Battledress Blouse

A scarce original early Second World War first pattern British Army denim battledress blouse in worn 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This jacket is an early issue example which was only made prior to 1942 when it was superseded by the austerity pattern.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. This example is a fantastic brown-green which is not washed out or overly worn down. A huge stockpile of these jackets was left behind in France following the evacuation from Dunkirk. 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 piece 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.

The original label is still present inside the jacket but has been washed out. When laid flat it measures -

Chest - 23"
Waist - 17 1/2"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 24 1/4"
Shoulders - 18"
Length - 23 1/2"

The jacket is in good condition but does show signs of heavy wear around the collar and there is a hole to one of the sleeves. This damage has been reflected in the price. 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 which has a great look to it!