WW2, British, RARE, 1939 Pattern Great Coat.

** A well-known reenactor supply company charge just under £200 for a reproduction 1939 Great Coat, why not, for less than a score (£20), purchase the real thing. **

Several patterns of Great Coat existed during the span of the war, but all had common features. They were all made from heavy weight wool and generally extended to with 12-18 inches from the floor. The milled wool had a khaki drab colour, similar to Battledress, and was waterproofed. Prior to WW2 great coats were single breasted, however, the 1939 pattern became modified in 1940 to double-breasted. Design changes included a single pleat down the back for flexibility and a liner made from new materials for greater warmth. An inside button on the left front and a buttonhole on the left were added to support the weight of the fabric when the lapels were left folded down. This also ensured the collar was windproof when the coat was fully buttoned. The kept original features were the two large pockets at the side with overlapping flaps and no buttons, button down epaulets to the shoulder and a half belt to the rear which could be adjusted for greater comfort. The sleeves also had plain cuffs with no buttons or straps.

This example is the extremely RARE and much sought after, 1939 pattern and was manufactured in Aug 1940 by L. Silberston & Sons. It comes in a very useful and wearable size 9: hight up to 6’2” with a chest size up to 42”.

The item has its buttons in place, has one or two very, very minor moth nips (I had to really look hard to find any and they were very difficult to photograph), the half belt is securely in place, and it still retains its removeable ‘flap’ to seal the collar. There is no noticeable wear to cuffs, collar, or pockets. Please study the pictures as they form part of the description, as can been seen the inside is clean and bright.

Priced to reflect rarity, great condition, and a larger size suitable for the modern reenactor or mannequin.

Code: 155