A vintage 1940s French blouson by 'Pilote', which judging by the labels and lack of military markings appears to be a private purchase model 1946 Air Force uniform jacket that has subsequently been civilianised by having the buttons changed & the epaulettes cut off. Made from a melton-type of coarse wool in navy blue in a style evolved from British battledress, it has an open neck with notch lapels, pleated chest pockets with scalloped flaps, waistband with extended buttoning front tab & side adjuster tabs, buttoned cuffs, & the bellows back panel specific to this model; the inside is trimmed with mid-blue cotton, with 2 inside pockets & tabs for buttoning onto trousers. The embroidered label is especially attractive.
Please study the photographs carefully - they form an important part of the description.
Size: Marked EU 46, suggested 36" short, depending on desired fit & layering - photographed on a 38" mannequin & it was a tight fit.
All measurements are external, taken with the garment laid flat, to be doubled where appropriate for circumference (with approx. metric equivalent):
Chest - armpit to armpit: 21 1/2" (54.6cm)
Shoulder to shoulder: 19" (48cm)
Shoulder to cuff: 23 1/4" (59cm)
Armpit to cuff: 18" (46cm)
Waist: 16 1/8" (41cm)
Back length - base of collar to hem: 19 1/2" (49.5cm)
Condition:
In good condition with some wear overall - the cuff linings have holes & the waistband lining has a slightly frayed area . Has been thoroughly steamed & brushed prior to listing but a slightly musty storage smell remains.
I have a no returns policy - please check the above measurements and compare to a similar garment of your own before buying - no refund offered for items that don’t fit.
