Original 1939 Dated British Army Leather Jerkin - Size 1

A scarce original British Army Leather Jerkin clearly dated 1939 which is in excellent condition.

Leather jerkins came into issue with the British Army during the Great War and stayed in service throughout the Second World War and well into the post-war years. This particular example is from the very early part of the Second World War and can be seen by the date on the original label. 

The jerkin is made from a brown coloured leather which is still very soft and pliable. It features four buttons which fasten the front, all of which are original to the garment. The interior is lined with a khaki green wool shirting material as was standard with this pattern of jerkin. To it is affixed the original manufacturer's label which bears the title of 'Jerkins Leather No.2' below which is the size of No.1 which is intended to fit a 34" - 41" chest. The maker's name of ‘Cookson & Clegg Ltd’ is also present as is the date of September 1939. This has been crossed through and the date of 1940 added in ink which would suggest that the maker was using up old stocks of 1939 labels in early 1940. The original owner has also added their name to the top of the label in ink. As well as this there is a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted with either the letter R or the letter P. It is hard to read but corresponds to either 1939 or 1940. 

The jerkin will suit around a 34” - 36" chest depending on desired fit. When laid flat the jerkin measures -

Chest - 21 1/2”
Shoulders - 20 1/2”
Length - 29”

The condition of the jerkin is absolutely excellent with no real signs of wear or use. It is totally sound overall and all the stitching appears strong. All four original buttons are present and it looks to be very wearable. There are however a few small flaws to the edge of the lining which are illustrated in the pictures. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-owned item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

Altogether a fine original example of a British Army jerkin complete with a rare early date.