Original 1942 Dated British Army 1940 Pattern Battledress Blouse - 9

A Very early example of a 1940 Pattern (Austerity) Battledress Blouse which was made in 1942.

This jacket is an early production austerity jacket and features the 1937 pattern style revolving shank buttons to the epaulettes and the brown horn buttons often associated with early manufacture by collectors. It also has two interior pockets which is a feature carried over from the pattern before. One of the pockets was deleted as an economy measure and is only seen on early examples such as this.

Inside the jacket the original label is present and isn't overly worn or faded meaning it is still easily legible. The maker's name of  'Hart & Levy Limited' is present and is a less common maker to find with original battledress. The size is stated as No. 9 and the War Department broad arrow marking is also present. As well as this is a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter O which confirms 1942 as the year of issue. The original owner has also marked his name in ink which reads 'G. Hunter'.

The overall condition of the jacket really is very good. The nap of the serge is still very good and there are only limited signs of wear and age. Overall it displays very well but please take time to study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-owned military jacket which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

Overall a very nice example of a wartime British Battledress blouse which is not only an early example of austerity production but also in very good condition.