Original 1943 Dated British Royal Navy 1940 Pattern Battledress Blouse

A fantastic original Royal Navy battledress blouse complete with its original insignia. 

The only members of the Royal Navy who were allowed to wear Army Battledress were the members of Combined Operations which would suggest the original owner served as part of that organisation. The jacket is a standard British Army 1940 Pattern (Austerity) example which was introduced into service in 1942. It features exposed buttons throughout, all of which are brown coloured vegetable ivory (plastic) examples. The jacket has been fitted with a section of black serge cloth with medal ribbons attached to it. This was quite likely cut directly from one of the original owners serge jumpers and done as it was quicker than removing and re-stitching each individual badge. The medal ribbons include the Pacific Star which means the original owner fought in that theatre of war. There is also a Stewards trade badge fitted to the right sleeve and some shadowing at the top of each sleeve where shoulder titles have been fitted previously (picture 6). 

Inside the jacket the original label is still present and bears the size of No. 15 along with the maker's name 'Harry Levene Ltd, London E.C.2' and the 1943 date. Below this is the War Department broad arrow marking. As well as this there is a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'N' which denotes 1943 as the year of issue.

When laid flat the jacket measures - 

Chest - 24 1/2”
Waist - 18 1/2”
Inside arm -18 1/2”
Outside arm - 25”
Shoulders - 18 3/4”
Length at back - 22”

The jacket is in used condition and was clearly a working jacket rather than a best jacket. There are some moth nips around the jacket - most notably to the right sleeve. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing as there is damage which has been reflected in the price.

A very rare British battledress jacket which is totally original and unmolested. This would make a nice addition to a collection.