Original 1943 Dated RAF Suits Aircrew Blouse - Size 16

An excellent original 1943 dated RAF Suits Aircrew Blouse which is a large size 16. 

This pattern of jacket came into service in late 1940 listed as 'Suits, Aircrew' before being re-designated 'War Service Dress' in 1943, remaining virtually unchanged. This is a rare early example which still retains the early designation to the label. Most jackets offered on the market today are the later War Service Dress examples. The blouse features the wire style waist buckle sometimes associated with early manufacture blouses, RAF style scalloped pocket flaps, zinc metal buttons all round and a pair of hook and eyes to fasten the neck.

The blouse is fitted with an original wartime period Warrant Officer's rank badge to the lower right sleeve along with a spurious Engineers brevet and Africa Star medal ribbon. These have been added to give the desired effect of an aircrew blouse and could be changed with ease.

Inside the jacket the original label is intact and is bright and legible. It bears the title of 'Suits Aircrew Blouse' below which is the size of 16 which is designed to fit up to a 38" chest and a 34" waist. The maker's name of 'Sindall Broos & Co Ltd' is also present, as is the 1943 date and the War Department broad arrow marking. As well as this there is a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted with the letter 'N' which denotes 1943 as the year of issue. 

The condition of the blouse is excellent. It is still a nice deep blue colour and does not appear to have seen any real wear or use. The only small flaw is a small holes to the rear of the collar. Overall it is a very fresh example but please do study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage item which may have small flaws commensurate with age.

A rare Suits Aircrew jacket in excellent condition and in a hard to find larger size.