Scarce WW2 British Indian Monsoon Cape 1944 dated for Sale

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Scarce WW2 British Indian Monsoon Cape 1944 dated For Sale

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Scarce WW2 British Indian Monsoon Cape 1944 dated:
$250.00

Scarce WW2 British Indian Monsoon Cape 1944 dated

A scarce originalIndian made Monsoon Cape, clearly dated 1944.
This pattern of cape was introduced early in theSecond World War. This cape is made from cotton duck fabric which is dyedin a khaki tan coloralthough a Jungle Green version which replaced the khaki was not produced until late1943, it appears that stocks of khaki fabric continuedto be used until used up.It features five Newey Patentsnaps which fasten the front closed. There are two straps of thesame material which are worn over the wearer\'s shoulders, cross in the back and button in the front at the waist, which fasten the cape onto the wearer\'s body usingcoconut husk buttons - a style of button commonly found on Indian made itemsfrom this period. The cape features two slash vents which allow the wearer\'s arms topass through the cape and allow him to still hold his weapon. These are also held closed with one Newey snap. There is a short vent opening at the lower center back also closed with one Newey snap.

Inside the cape the original stamps are presentand are typical of those found on Indian made items. The 1944 date stamp isstill legible just below the neck opening along with a maker\'sstamp \"KRS\". There is also an IndianArmy inspector stamp showing the date as September 1944 at the inside bottom right edge of the cape, and on the left inside at the bottom next to the rear vent a \"L\" in a circle denotes the size as Large along with another stamp \"56\". The shoulders are lined inside with a second layer of the same fabric, and there are a few metal buttons on the inside shoulder area and inside the vents which, along with tape ties down both sides of the front are to secure an optional wool liner (which is even more scarce than the cape!).
The cape is in surprisinglygood condition and will display well.There are some marks from wear and use, and it could do with a good cleaning. On the outside back just below the collar it is marked \"031 CPL Johnston\" Of the few examples I\'ve seen those which were issued all seem to have a similar placement of a name.

This is a very uniquepiece of equipment only seen in the Indian Army in the Far East campaign. I have only come across 4 of these in over 30 years of collecting. Don\'t miss the chance to add one to your collection!

Listing a new lot of WW1 and WW2 military items and otherthings over the next few days. Please check my other sales for items ofinterest. Thanks for looking and good luck!