A rare and sought after British made Officer's Four Pocket tunic. Made from barathea wool, in common with British army tunics, as opposed to gabardine like US made tunics.
British manufacturers were often contracted under 'Reverse Lend-Lease' to produce equipment and uniforms for American forces in Britain, as it was often easier to have items made locally, than having them made back in the States. Quite often tailors, particularly those on Savile Row would privately produce items for U.S. Officer's, who were not issued the dress uniform, but had to privately purchase them. These tailors would produce uniforms and a variety of patches, most famously this is where the 'Stubby Wing' 8th Air Force patch originated.
The label on this tunic shows it being produced by S. Sinclair Ltd in 1944. The tunic is described as "Coat Service Officers, E.T.O. USA", indicating that this is one of the officially sanctioned contracts, rather than a private purchase item.
Condition is generally sound, but there are a couple of moth nips and fraying along the edge of one of the lapels.
Tunic is furnished with;
- 3" Pilot's Wings, pin back and Sterling marked on the reverse.
- A clutch back ribbon, comprising 2x Purple Hearts, possibly a late or post-war adornment.
- A felt AAF patch on the left shoulder.
- A felt and British made 8th Air Force patch on the right shoulder.
- The US and Winged Prop collar dogs and clutch back.
- Two bullion Overseas bars on the cuff, each denoting 6 months overseas service.
- Two pin back Captain's bars.
The tunic is sadly unidentified. Size marked 40" Chest but measured by hand as follows;
Pit to pit - 22 inches, so around a 40-42" chest size
Cuff to top shoulder seam - 24.5 inches
Shoulder seam to shoulder seam - 19 inches.