Pattern 1902 tunic, 5th modification (AKA 1922)

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 04-26-2015, 08:59 PM

Another of my recent purchases, a Pattern 1902, 5th modification other ranks tunic - also known as the pattern 1922. Generally the tunic is in very good condition, although for whatever reason, both epaulettes had at some time been removed. Whoever replaced them did so with a pair of poor substitutes, and they weren't even positioned correctly! The makers label is missing. These don't fall out, and have to be deliberately removed. This could have been for either of two reasons. The first being that it is a post-WW2 tunic, which I don't think it is. Or someone may have tried to pass it off as a much older tunic, not everyone is aware of the differences between the WW1 pattern and the post WW1 pattern! I have replaced the epaulettes with a pair which is more in keeping with this style of tunic. The Buffs titles were already on. The intention is to re-badge the epaulettes to the East Lancashire's and use the tunic on a mannequin - along with a selection of WW1 items at the book launch of the Pte Smallshaw (Accrington Pals) book next year.

Pattern 1902 tunic, 5th modification (AKA 1922)

**Gunny Hartmann** · 04-26-2015, 09:21 PM

Nice find Steve, the epaulettes look a slightly different colour too on one photo!...

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 04-26-2015, 09:27 PM

Hi Gunny, the epaulettes which were on were of a different shade, and the cotton stitching around the button hole was a dark green colour. The picture showing the epaulette undone is the one which was on the tunic. There ones I have replaced them with are a near perfect match!

Cheers,
Steve.

**Warspite** · 04-27-2015, 02:55 PM

Is there a letter code stamped inside? My 22 patt tunic has a washed out label, but I managed to date it to 1943 as it had a stamped letter code inside.

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 04-27-2015, 04:42 PM

I tried to find the letter code, but all stamps are quite illegible. The tunic shows signs of considerable use. Although there are no holes or moth damage, the cloth lacks much of the nap.