Militaria Zone

Dealer Information

Dealer: Blighty Militaria
Location: London, United Kingdom
Tel: 07729 917 773
Email: blightymilitaria@gmail.com

Original WW2 British Army 1940 Pattern Austerity Battledress Trousers

SOLD

Code: 53525

Website: https://www.militariazone.com/trousers-shorts/original-ww2-british-army-1940-pattern-austerity-battledress-trousers/itm37559

An original pair of 1940 Pattern (Austerity) Battledress trousers dating from the Second World War.

This pattern of trousers came into issue with the British Army in 1942 replacing the earlier 1940 pattern. They are an austerity pattern which don't feature belt loops, covered buttons to the pockets or tabs to the bottom of the legs. They are made from the standard khaki green serge wool used for British uniforms during this period and are fitted with green vegetable ivory (plastic) buttons, typical of late war manufacture. The trousers are not the 1946 pattern as they do not have the extra braces buttons. Interestingly, the trousers have had a tab added to the waist by the original owner. Personally this, along with the proportions of the trousers, makes me think they may have been issued to a member of the ATS. 

The original label is no longer present and there is no visible War Department acceptance stamp. The green buttons however date the trousers to being made in either 1944 or 1945. 

The trousers will suit someone of a 28" waist depending on desired fit. When laid flat they measure - 

Waist - 14"
Inside leg - 28"

The trousers are in fairly good condition overall but have suffered from moth damage in places. There are signs of wear and use as well as some marks and stains as seen in the pictures but overall they display well. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that these a vintage, pre-worn pair of trousers which have some flaws commensurate with age.

All in all a reasonable pair of austerity pattern trousers dating from the Second World War.