Rare original 1941 Dated British Army Khaki Drill Shirt

A rare original 1941 dated British Army Khaki Drill shirt in un-issued condition.

These original wartime shirts are becoming hard to find today, let alone in un-issued, new old stock condition and with clear markings. The markings usually wear away with light wear and washing so to find a shirt in such good condition today is really something.

This pattern or shirt was introduced at the beginning of the Second World War and was issued to all rank of the British Army and also saw use with the RAF. It is made from cellular cotton which is a lightweight, breathable fabric ideally suited to the tropics. It features long sleeves, two pleated breast pockets, a stand and fall collar and removable epaulettes. Rubber buttons fasten the front, the cuffs and the breast pockets - all of which are in perfect order.

Inside the collar of the shirt the original markings are still bright and legible. The makers name of 'C.W.S' is present and stands for the Co-operative Workers Society - better know as the Co-op today. Under this is the 1941 date and what appears to be a crude War Department broad arrow marking. There also appears to be the numeral '1' which would relate to size.

When laid flat the shirt measures -

Chest - 22"
Inside arm - 21"
Outside arm - 22 1/2"
Length - 34"
Shoulders - 16 1/2"

The shirt is in stunning unworn condition as can be seen in the pictures. It may have small issues such as marks from storage but overall it displays extremely well.

This would be very hard to better and is a must have for the serious collector.