Original 1948 Dated British Army Officer's Service Dress Uniform

An original 1948 dated British Army Officers Service Dress tunic and trousers in good condition. This set was made for 'L. A. Holt' who was an officer in the Royal Signals. It has since been rebadge to represent the Royal Engineers. 

This pattern of tunic and trousers was used by British Army Officers for many years and still hasn't changed drastically to this day. This particular example dates from just after WW2 and could easily pass as a wartime set. It is made from a khaki green barathea wool and features a rayon lining, both of which are typical of the period. The cut is also in keeping with the era being reasonably short in the body.

The jacket features two pips to each shoulder denoting the rank of lieutenant. This is particularly nice as most tunics found today are attributed to captains and have three sets of holes on each epaulette. A blue lanyard is fitted to the right shoulder and officers' bronze Royal Engineers collar badges are also present. Brass king's crown Royal Engineers buttons are also fitted throughout. 

Inside the jacket the original tailors label is still present and states the maker as 'Bernard Weatherill Ltd'. The date of June 1948 is present as is the original owners name. The original owner also added a name tag to the reverse of the waist belt as shown in picture 7.

The tunic comes with its original matching trousers which are typical of the period featuring a high rise waist, twin pleats to  the front and slash pockets on the hips. A single buttoning rear pocket is present as are brace buttons which are fitted around the top edge of the inner waistband. The trousers fasten with buttons as is usual with British tailoring of this period and the label is present to the interior which bears the same details as the jacket. 

The set is a small size which will suit someone with a 34" chest and a 27" waist. When laid flat it measures -

Jacket
Chest - 18 1/2"
Wait - 15"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 25 1/4"
Shoulders - 16 3/4"
Length - 31"

Trousers 
Waist - 14"
Inside leg - 29"

Both the jacket and trousers are in very good condition as can be seen in the photographs. There is a small hole to the rear shoulder of the jacket as shown in picture 11 and the clip at the waist of the trousers has been moved over to allow for a slightly larger waist size. There is also a small hole to the front left leg as shown in picture 16. Overall the set displays well and is very wearable. 

A nice immediate post-war set in great shape. This would make a great addition to a collection or could suit a re-enactor.