1940 Serge Battle Dress Blouse Dunkirk BEF Size 13 British Army 1939 Jacket

Description: Fantastic and scarce early version of the British Army serge pattern battle dress blouse, featuring an unlined collar. This was the pattern as issued to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in 1939/40. The pattern changed to a lined collar is early/ mid 1940, making the early un-lined collar versions much rarer than subsequent patterns. This example is dated 1940 and in a larger tall size 13. It is complete with its label and all buttons, however one breast pocket button is a replacement. Condition is very good overall, with some overall wear from use and some small holes as pictured. This is nothing too major and is limited to a few on the cuffs and sleeve and a small one between the shoulder blades. The lining is pretty clean throughout and not too worn or discoloured. The label has come apart in places and had a couple of stitches at some point to stop is getting any worse. That said, the size information is mostly legible. The maker looks to be ‘H & M’, which is not a maker I have come across before. It is complete with War Department ink stamp, including the letter ‘Q’ above it, indicating 1940 manufacture. Interestingly, the collar has been fitted with collar badges at some point, something that whilst uncommon was certainly done in the early war period. This was emulating the pre-war/ early war service dress uniform. Overall, an excellent and rare blouse in good clean condition and a good displayable size, perfect for an early war/ BEF collection. Looks to have had Lance Corporal or Corporal badges removed from the sleeves, some threads remain but no fading etc. Check out the matching trousers also listed! Please study images carefully as they comprise part of the description. Check out my other items as I am having a bit of a collection clear out. Thanks for looking and any questions please get in touch!

Price: 325 GBP

Location: Faversham

End Time: 2024-08-02T09:30:57.000Z

Shipping Cost: 61.16 GBP