Original WW2 British Army Soldier Paratrooper String Vest 1942

Genuine period string vest as worn by British Army soldiers during the Second World War. These type of vests were worn under the soldiers shirt to allow air to breath between their body and shirt to keep the shirt off the skin, reducing soiling from sweat and increase the period between washing shirts. The vest also created air pockets in hot climates allowing the wearers sweat to evaporate and worn as an extra layer in cold climates. 

 

Although the vests were worn by most British soldiers, they have a connection with British paratroopers being worn inbetween the shirt and Denison smock. See photo for a period photo of a British paratrooper wearing a string vest.

The vest is in overall good original condition and appears to be unissued. There are some light stains from age/storage and some string loops have lossened or knotted (see pictures). A manufacture label is present for manufacturer H.&S., dated 1942, British government issue broad arrow and size 1 (see pictures).

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