Original 1943 Dated British Army Service Dress Tunic - Size 14

An original 1943 Dated British Army Service Dress Tunic, often referred to as '1922 Pattern' by collectors.

This particular tunic is the wartime austerity pattern which features plain patch pockets on the chest rather than the pre and post war patterns which have pleats. Aside from this detail the tunic is more-or-less unchanged from the earlier pattern.

The tunic features a full set of green plastic economy Kings crown buttons and brass belt hangers in the waist. The lining is the standard cotton drill type used in these tunics during WW2.

Inside the tunic the original label is still present as is bright and legible. It states the size as 14 and the maker as 'J. Compton, Sons & Webb, Ltd, London'. The War Department broad arrow marking is present as is the 1943 date. There is also a purple issue stamp which reads 'OCT 1943'.

As well as the label the War Department broad arrow marking is present and surmounted by the letter 'N' which denotes 1943 as the year of manufacture.

According to the label the jacket is designed to fit someone with a 40-41" chest. When laid flat it measures -

Chest - 20 1/2"
Waist - 18 1/2"
Inside arm - 19 3/4"
Outside arm - 26"
Length - 31 1/2"
Shoulders - 17"

The overall condition of the jacket is very good with next to no signs of wear or use. It displays very well and generally speaking appears to be very fresh still. It has almost certainly never been worn or issued with the only defect being a light moth graze to the front as shown in picture 4. Please study the pictures as these form part of the description.

All in all a very nice war dated example of the economy pattern tunic. This would make a good addition to any collection.