But might be useful for all so its here rather than a PM.
I may be getting a BD blouse of HK Kieth but i need to know what size his are compared to wartime army sizes.
What size did you get and what size 49 pat blouse do you have, and whats the sizing difference?
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
Hi Gadge
I will jump in with, I got a BD jacket from Keith on Tuesday. (2 weeks from order to delivery).
Size is XL as ordered and marked on a natty chinese label.
You will remember from Matlock that I am not small and it is a roomy fit on me. My Canadian BD is size 16 and is more snug fit on me.
Keith's XL seems to be 48" chest, a 20" neck with pretty accurate hook and eye fittings, arms are not too long at around 21-22". Length of jacket is longer than an original which has the waist almost reaching hips and must measure more than 38".
Like CW's which he had at Matlock the jacket is a finer wool blend than originals so looks more like a private purchase tailored set. After a pressing as it came in a small box it looks rather smart. I now need to get stiching to get some formation badges on it.
I got the 'M' size blouse and troos from HK Keith which fitted me perfectly (but if my waistline increases any more then I will be in trouble)
I have a '49 blouse in size 13 (I think - it's the same as you have) that I can't get into without serious danger of button poppage or artery restriction, although the sleeve length is OK.
If you want some comparison measurements I'll do that tonight...
Like CW's which he had at Matlock the jacket is a finer wool blend than originals so looks more like a private purchase tailored set. After a pressing as it came in a small box it looks rather smart. I now need to get stiching to get some formation badges on it.
What's the neck fitting like? Is it better sewn up than the one on CWs?
Right im thinking i should go for a large then.
my warhorse BD is size 17
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
What's the neck fitting like? Is it better sewn up than the one on CWs?
The neck hook fittings are neatly sewn. No sign of being altered so I guess they have altered their production. The seem very like the original fittings. They are plated a dull brassy colour.
Also the buttons are a dished silvery coloured cast metal. They are not an exact match for the originals but are easier to use.
The ebay listing now says second run production (I think mine was probably first-run with alterations afterwards). It also says brass buttons (which I believe they should be) but mine are also silver. But they are much better than the stamped dished German buttons from HK that have sharp edges!
The buttons can't be seen anyway... the ones on my 37 set are all plastic and I'm perfectly happy with that. Brass buttons (even at the time) tended to cut through the threads holding them on.
Good news on the collar fastening, though not so good news for CW 
Some measurements that will be relevant to you Gadge:
49 Pattern size 13 blouse
Back - distance from waist hem to where collar starts: 21.5"
Sleeve length - 26"
Waistband length (not including belt) 37"
Back width between armholes - 15.5"
HK Keith 'M' blouse
Back - distance from waist hem to where collar starts: 22.5"
Sleeve length - 22"
Waistband length (not including belt) 41.5"
Back width between armholes - 18"
Collar width - 19"
If you can fit into a 13 blouse I'm guessing an 'L' size might be over-large
What about the height from collar to waistband?
That would give an idea of height, as the 13 is too short for me.
That's the first measurement I have given Rich - the HK one is an inch longer in length, much roomier on chest and waist but shorter on the sleeve.
bum... I did read it honest... it just didn't register!
Thinking about it, Gadge being a tall skinny-ribs may well need the 'L' for the body and arm length, although it will be very 'roomy'.
Heh, I just checked the HK waist band measurement as 41.5" is mahoosive and I'm not that big. I'd forgotton that it sits nowhere near the waist. Phew!
looks like getting your BD tailored is more or less essential... just as it was in WW2.
