WW1 British 1902 Pattern Issue Other Ranks Trousers 

A rare pair of WW1 British 1902 Pattern Other Ranks Trousers. These have all the desirable features of a good WW1 issue pair, unfortunately however post WW1 they have at some time been through theatrical costumiers which has caused some damage to the waistband at the rear. This is reflected in the price.   The Trousers are a classic WW1 shade of khaki, with then the standard WW1 issue white cotton lining throughout. This as well as zinc buttons for braces sewn in pairs, twin stitch reinforcement lines to the pocket bottoms and the War Department inspection mark.   In late 1918 issue trouser linings changed from white to a tan cotton, these issue Trousers therefore pre-dating that.   To the rear the Trousers were taken in by the theatrical costumiers and subsequently let out again. This has left sewing machine damage to the cotton waistband in this area as well as various loose sewing thread. The costumiers have also house stamped the trousers in blue ink, as well as written in black felt tip pen the size “30” to two parts of the waistband. This has since all been treated with solvent by the previous collector for removal which has extremely faded the marks but not removed them entirely.  The four zinc braces buttons at the rear where the Trousers were taken in are now missing, as are one at the side and one at the fly.   As is very common the bottom of the fly has a small hole as shown in my images. The collector has had this treated in case of moth and then it has been very well patched. There are equally two small holes on the right seat of the Trousers as viewed. Given their location this is no doubt damage from sitting, however again just in case the diligent collector has had these moth treated and then patched. There is no other damage to the Trousers.   Despite its flaws this rare pair of 1902 Pattern Trousers will display very well, none of the damage being visible when the Trousers are on a mannequin    A very difficult WW1 item to find, had they not been damaged these Trousers would be at least £500 more.