Rare Original Early War British Army Denim Battledress Blouse

A scarce original early Second World War first pattern British Army denim battledress blouse in excellent 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This jacket is an early issue example which was only made prior to 1942 when it was superseded by the austerity pattern.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 Dunkrik. 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.

Sadly the original label is no longer present although there is clear evidence of where it was originally attached. The jacket is certainly one of the largest sizes produced during the war and when laid flat measures -

Chest - 24"
Waist - 19"
Inside arm - 20"
Outside arm - 26"
Shoulders - 19"
Length - 23 1/2"

The jacket is in excellent condition with no real signs of wear or use. It is still a deep colour as it would have been original and not a washed-out example. This is a vintage, pre-owned item so may have small issues commensurate with age but overall looks to be a very good example. 

All in all a great example of this early war pattern of blouse with all the right features and fittings. Not only that but it is a good wearable size meaning it would suit both a re-enactor or collector!