Fantastic and scarce British Army serge pattern battle dress trousers, featuring the second pattern double pleat with button First Field Dressing pocket. This was the improved pattern from the type issued to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in 1939/40. The pattern change was undergone around early/ mid 1940, and were replaced by the economy 1940 pattern in 1942, making the earlier serge patterns more scarce and collectible. They continued to be issued however, and were worn for the duration of the war alongside later patterns. For reference I have also listed an earlier pair of 1939/1940 era trousers.

This example is dated 1940 via the War Department ink stamp with a ‘Q’ for 1940 above. They are in a larger tall size 16 physically measuring 35 x 34 inches. They are complete with all buttons, however many are most likely wartime replacements, including US made/ US war aid buttons.

Condition is good overall, with some wear throughout from use and some dried mud still on the legs. I have made no attempt to clean them as They came to me like this so I have no idea of the age of the mud. There are some small holes on the inside of one leg as pictured. There is some areas of repair to one lower leg and inside the crotch. There is a repair to the inside of the waistband where a brace button was previously, as the remnants of the centre of one button to attach the blouse to the trousers at the rear.

There is some wear to the hip pocket seam on one leg as pictured. There is also reinforcing patches on the inside of the hip pockets from wear, and a slightly torn portion on one inside pocket. Interestingly this has been previously patched with a piece of khaki drill material, still with the ink size stamp slightly visible. Therefore it’s possible these trousers were used in the Italian campaign, or at least somewhere where it was available. The lining is pretty clean throughout though and an old dry cleaning label has been stitched pointing the waistband.

Overall, an great pair of early trousers, in good overall condition and a good displayable size, ideal for any British collection.

Check out the other battle dress items, 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.

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