RARE 1942 Pattern Parachutist's Oversmock - original first year production dated 1942.

 

The majority of these on the collector market are late or post war production - this 1942 Pattern Parachutist's Oversmock has a manufacture date of its first year in production - 1942, making it extremely rare and desirable, since they were used when first issued, then generally ignored as the majority preferred to just use the Denison. Sleeveless jacket designed to be worn over the Denison and battledress, and discarded upon landing, it was worn by paratroopers, SOE and other agents being dropped into enemy occupied territory.  Excellent condition, with full length "Swift" brand working zip in good order (non-opening, step-in design on these early types) and brass Newey snaps/press studs securing the "monkey tail" in place.  Lovely condition and a rare early date.

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$550 / £400 / €465  email to secure this item

British 8th Army Long Range Desert Group bush shirt/jacket.

 

Standard British issue bush shirt/jacket as worn by all branches of the service, this one with the shoulder insignia of the famed 8th Army, together with shoulder titles indicating LRDG - Long Range Desert Group, an elite branch of the Special Forces who went in advance of the main force. Rank slides indicate a Lieutenant Colonel. Overall good condition showing wear but no damage. Shirt is ink stamped with date of 1942 and what also appears to be 1947 so it may have been reissued, but I am no expert in Army nomenclature.

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$275 / £215 / €235   email to secure this item

Royal Marine Commandos green beret.

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Very good and rare example of the Royal Marine Commandos green beret with pre-1952 cap badge. Manufactured by  Compton Sons and Webb, though the name is partially faded and obscured by glue residue from what looks like a piece of tape - perhaps a name tag or label. It looks to be a size 6-3/4 and the board arrow mark is legible, as is a partial date, ending in a "3". This could be 1943 but could also be 1953, although the badge is pre-1952 and has clearly been on the beret for a long time. Not sold as WWII because it cannot be guaranteed, but a great and rare piece of headgear in very good used condition.

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$200 / £145 / €170   email to secure this item