Original 1959 Dated British Army 1960 Pattern Combat Trousers - Size 2

An original pair of British Army 1960 Pattern Combat Trousers dating from the 1960s and in a size 2.

This pattern of trousers came into use with the British Army in the 1960s and were based on the 1952 Pattern uniform issued to British troops serving in Korea. These trousers would have been issued as part of a set which included a matching combat jacket.

The trousers are made from a plain, olive green coloured cotton sateen and feature a First Field Dressing pocket to the right hip and a map pocket to the left thigh. The trousers also have reinforced knees, slash pockets to the hips and belt loops. A double ended metal zipper closes the fly and is marked 'Flash' to the front and 'Made in England' to the rear.

Inside the trousers both original labels are still present although the size label is washed out. The measurements of the trousers correspond to a size 2 labelled example. There is also a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'X' which denotes 1959 as the year of issue, making these a very early example. This may account for why the cotton tape of the zipper is a light, contrasting colour which is not usually encountered. 

The trousers will suit a 32" waist and when laid flat the trousers measure - 

Waist - 16"
Rise - 14"
Rear rise - 18"
Inside leg - 30 1/2"
Outside leg - 43"
Cuff - 8"

The condition of the trousers is good with various signs of wear and use. Overall they display well and look to be very wearable but are a vintage, pre-owned item which may have other small issues commensurate with age. 

All in all a good pair of combat trousers which are a very early production pair.