{"product_id":"original-world-war-two-officers-class-a-tunic-8th-air-force-british-made-barathea-wool","title":"Original World War Two Officer's Class A Tunic, 8th Air Force, British Made Barathea Wool","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritish 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is generally sound, but there are a couple of moth nips and fraying along the edge of one of the lapels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTunic is furnished with;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3\" Pilot's Wings, pin back and Sterling marked on the reverse. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA clutch back ribbon, comprising 2x Purple Hearts, possibly a late or post-war adornment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA felt AAF patch on the left shoulder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA felt and British made 8th Air Force patch on the right shoulder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe US and Winged Prop collar dogs and clutch back.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo bullion Overseas bars on the cuff, each denoting 6 months overseas service. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pin back Captain's bars. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tunic is sadly unidentified. Size marked 40\" Chest but measured by hand as follows;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePit to pit - 22 inches, so around a 40-42\" chest size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCuff to top shoulder seam - 24.5 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShoulder seam to shoulder seam - 19 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hornbeam Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56269281591682,"sku":"SS-brit-tunic","price":300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0442\/6471\/8485\/files\/IMG_9453.jpg?v=1769353455","url":"https:\/\/hornbeammilitaria.co.uk\/products\/original-world-war-two-officers-class-a-tunic-8th-air-force-british-made-barathea-wool","provider":"Hornbeam Militaria","version":"1.0","type":"link"}