Original 1946 popular Dated Civil Defence Battledress Blouse

An original British Civil Defence Battledress Blouse dating from 1946 and complete with original insignia.

This jacket is interesting as it was made just after the end of the Second World War and features an interesting collar design which can be worn fastened to the top or left undone, or 'open faced', to show a shirt collar and tie. This detail differs from the standard pattern used during WW2 as well as in the 1950s.

The jacket is made from a black coloured serge wool and features patch pockets and a fly button front. The waist fastens with a metal buckle and epaulettes are located to each shoulder. The jacket is fitted with a King's crown civil defence breast badge to the left pocket below which is the area title which reads 'Warwickshire'. 'Ambulance' shoulder titles are fitted to the top of each sleeve and a St John Ambulance badge is located to the lower portion of the left sleeve.

Inside the jacket features two interior pockets which are made from an indigo coloured cotton drill. The original label is present to one and bears the simple title of 'blouse'. The size is marked as 7 which has been cross outed and changed to 10 by hand. The manufacturer's name of 'James Smith & Co (Derby) Ltd' is present as is the 1946 date and the War Department broad arrow marking.

The jacket will suit around a 36" - 37" chest and when laid flat it measures -

Chest - 21 1/2"
Waist - 16 1/2"
Inside arm - 18 1/4"
Outside arm - 25 popular 1/2"
Length - 22 1/2"

The condition of the jacket is good overall and it is still very wearable. There are however a number of moth nips which are hard to photograph due to the colour of the jacket. These are only noticeable under close inspection and the jacket displays well, on the whole.

An interesting original CD Battledress jacket with a nice clear label.