PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A first pattern skeleton assault jerkin, made from brown waterproof canvas duck material, consisting of a simple vest frame with two large pockets to the front with two web strap closures to the front. The two large pockets to the front curve out toward the shoulders and could be used to carry extra Bren gun magazines, mortar bombs or other ammunition. The pockets are closed by fold over flaps with wood toggle and string loop fasteners. Stamped to the inside back is a rectangle with the manufacturers mark "H & S", the date "1943", size "Medium and a "broad arrow". Inside the pockets are spare Bren gun magazines, which are pinned to 5 rounds as per Canadian law. Both are stamped to the bottom plate, one "I* JI" and the other with "TMS MKI*". To the left waist is a vertical bayonet loop with a bayonet and scabbard inserted. The bayonet is the form of an 8" spike, tapered at its point, which widens and proceeds to one side at its other end where a circular muzzle guide and spring release catch may be seen. To one side of this wider portion is stamped a "broad arrow" along with "No 4 Mark II", "BEC N96" which is the code for "Baird Engineering" along with an inspection mark. The bayonet is in good condition with some light surface oxidization to the socket. The "No 4 MK I" black painted metal scabbard is in the form of a tapering tube, 8 1/4" long, with a ball tip and a circular frog lug is near its throat. It retains about 65% of its paint with light to moderate oxidization with the heaviest to the frog lug. Other than some moderate wear to the cloth that covered the stitching to the interior the jerkin is in very good condition. A nice example of a first pattern Skeleton Battle/Assault Jerkin.

GRADE***1/2                             PRICE $418.00