Scarce Original ARP 41 Bluette Overalls

A scarce original ARP 41 Bluette Combination Suit in good condition. 

These overalls came into issue in October 1939 and were the first official uniform to be issued to members of the Civil Defence and Air Raid Wardens amongst others. They saw widespread issue in the first part of the war before being replaced with the Battledress uniform in 1941. Due to being an early war item, and also because they were almost certainly used for workwear after the war had finished, these overalls are very rare to find today. 

The coveralls are made from a material called 'Bluette' which is an indigo dyed cotton drill, ideally suited for work purposes due to its hard-wearing nature. They feature a full button front with stamped brass buttons to the fly and large 'ARP' marked buttons to the chest. These are held on with split rings allowing them to be removed for laundering purposes. Smaller versions of the silver coloured ARP buttons are used to secure the epaulettes and are again held in place with split rings. Two stamped brass buttons are located to each cuff allowing the wearer to adjust the fit at the wrist. Pleated breast pockets can be found at the chest whilst a map pocket is fitted to the left thigh. The first overalls issued did not feature this pocket meaning these overalls most likely date from 1940. 

The overalls are fitted with the correct ARP bluette badge designed for wear with these overalls. It is made from the same material as used for the overalls, features a merrow edging and the words 'ARP' embroidered in red. 

The overalls will suit a shorter build and when laid flat measure - 

Chest - 21 1/2"
Waist - 19"
Inside arm - 17 3/4"
Outside arm - 25 3/4"
Inside leg - 28"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"

The overalls are in good condition with various signs of wear and use. They are still wearable and display very well but are a vintage item which have small issues commensurate with age. Please study the pictures provided to access the condition. 

A very rare piece of early war Home Front uniform which is missing from many collections. These are a must have item for any serious Home Front collector!