WW2 British Army Bush, ‘Slouch’ Hat, 1942, Size 6 ½, Badged to Royal Engineers.

Was £289 now £235

Colloquially known as the ‘Slouch Hat’, ‘Wide Awake’ or ‘Smasher’, the ‘Bush Hat’ was the most highly prized of British tropical headwear. Introduced at the start of the 20th Century it soldiers were particularly fond of it as it shielded the eyes from the sun, sheltered the wearer from the rain and on patrol kept leeches away from the neck. Ventilation was provided by plain, painted steel eyelets placed on either side of the crown, around which the ‘Puggaree’, a long length of muslin wound around its circumference, could be wetted to keep the wearer cool via evaporation. The left side of the brim could be raised and fastened up by a pressure stud, allowing for easier carrying of the rifle. Arm of service flashes were often sewn onto the upturned side of the upturned brim. Most of these hats were manufactured in the UK.

This example is in outstanding condition with little to no moth damage, maintains its original leather liner and chin strap and was manufactured by Elliot & Co. in 1942. Sized at 6 ½ it also still retains the owner’s addition of a SMLE stripper clip to keep the crown crease nice and sharp.

Difficult to up-grade, an excellent example of this much sort after piece of headwear.

Code: 18