1908 british army service dress

[Chris480_9]

Can anybody tell me where I can buy a 1908 service dress tunic? Literally hundreds of thousands must have been produced, issued and worn up until at least 1937 and even into the early part of WW2. Many more will have been unissued. I understand that the highly prized (and priced), 1914 - 18 dated examples may well be hard to find, having long since disappeared into private collections or simply fallen apart, but can the later uniforms really be THAT rare and apparently unobtainable? I would be happy to own one produced on the last day before the new clothing warrent came into force in 1937.

regards,

Chris Warner

[4thGordons]

Chris - Welcome to the forum

There are plenty of threads on Service Dress... I think the prices may surprise you! I have a small collection of "stuff" and gave up on an original jacket a long time ago.

You have several options.

1) There are lots of repro.s available (of varing quality and price)This is probably the cheapest option

2) In 1921 the 1908 pattern was replaced by a very very similar one - the 1921 pattern (so the span is not quite as long as you indicate) - this is virtually indistinguishable to the non-specialist (having to do with internal lining, collar darts and labelling) these are available comparatively cheaply and appear to have been made in Australia as late as the early 1940s. These show up on eBay all the time...and as long as the seller isn't passing them off as 1908 pattern! can be reasonably affordable although even these seem to be climbing.

There are a few real experts who will be along - but that is a basic overview.

I can post pics of a repro and a 1922 pattern (2 variations) if it would help

Chris

EDIT: I just had a look - an Australian vendor is listing a 1942 dated one currently. Search "O'Rs Service Dress"

Edited 27 July , 2010 by 4thGordons

[Andrew Upton]

... the 1921 pattern (so the span is not quite as long as you indicate) - this is virtually indistinguishable to the non-specialist (having to do with internal lining, collar darts and labelling) these are available comparatively cheaply and appear to have been made in Australia as late as the early 1940s.

And in Britain at least as late as the 1970's - I've personally seen examples dated to the late 60's.

[Chris480_9]

Thanks for advice here. I was dimly aware of the 1921 pattern and have seen examples. I certainly didn't know about production into the 60s or 70s. However, in about 1981, a supplier in London, can't remeber name, was selling 08 equipment and tunics. At the time, the webbing was pretty inexpensive and all stamped ME Co. with various way beyond 1918. The tunic was unissued as far as I could see with no date markings. To be honest, I always suspected it was a repro but from what you say it may well have been genuine enough. I'll keep looking and meanwhile try to make sure I can recognise the differences you list. Thanks again

Best regards

Chris Warner

[trenchtrotter]

Chris,

Any good?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/British-1922-Pattern-Service-Dress-Tunic-Insignia-/120600918750?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item1c145ffade

On ebay now at £35.00.

TT

[Chris480_9]

Perfect! Thankyou

Best,

Chris Warner