British Workwear

highway66blues · Oct 6, 2013

Grey back work shirt....huh.
Replaced in early 30's ...so it'd be in use in the 20's
I like.
Think the was an American version possibly ?
May have an Idea of making myself one but in cotton or maybe single color flannel...

Cobden · Oct 6, 2013

I suppose the American version would have been the WWI era US military shirt. The British Army had been wearing the greyback from about 1860 until 1932 if I remember correctly, so repros for re-enactors are available.

Warden · Oct 8, 2013

I wear a repro greyback for weekend wear in the winter months, although I do have a T-shirt on under neath, too itchy otherwise. (Harry is a big softy).

Cobden · Oct 8, 2013

Well, it's worth bearing in mind that they were intended to be worn with long underwear.

Of course, the long underwear was made of wool. And, when they greyback came, it was expected that you would wear it with a red wool tunic over the top. In South Africa. In the summer.

Two Types · Oct 20, 2013

Just in case anyone ever stumbles across one of these and wants to check details, this is a British convicts jacket from a 1930 film 'Escape'. I assume this style was in use for many years:

For reference, the jacket appears to be very heavy, coarse wool and it has sloping shoulder seams. There appears to be lines of stitching on either side at the front which is similar to on 'hospital blues' (if I remember correctly) since there is a large fold back to strengthen the front buttoning area since the jacket is probably unlined.

also maybe of interest to some, studded belt worn by farm labourer:

esteban68 · Oct 20, 2013

Good photos TT, the studded belt is an interesting item...I'd have said funfair or circus worker but then again given the liking for horse brasses and horse leather work I guess it's a logical thing to happen for a farm labourer to have such a belt.

Sloan1874 · Oct 22, 2013

herringbonekid said:
...and here's a still from it:

If I'm not mistaken, that's a very young Gordon Jackson in the dungarees.

Two Types · Oct 22, 2013

And that's a young Jimmy Logan (the Glaswegian comedian) with him.

esteban68 · Oct 22, 2013

here's a pictures of my great grandfather and his 'gang' of building mates c 1920

apologies for the picture as it's not the best, I'll have to see if I can improve on the quality.
and another picture of a working class relative again c1920-ish not sure who it is but possibly my great uncle

Two Types · Dec 1, 2013

1924

Two Types · Dec 6, 2013

Sonnie Hale in a 1930s prison jacket:

herringbonekid · Dec 15, 2013

probably late 40s - early 50s:

unknown date:

http://oldtownnews.tumblr.com/post/40854951517/hold-fast-made-again-in-england

Baron Kurtz · Dec 15, 2013

What's the context of the top photo, hbk? The pre-fabricated buildings look like a BAOR base.

Two Types · Dec 16, 2013

I was also trying to work that out: It looks like a military base but they don't appear to be wearing uniform. And a couple of them are wearing Wellington boots, suggesting they work outdoors.

If i had to guess, i'd say a forestry working camp. I believe a number of these were based in former military bases post WW2. And they also, if my memory serves me correctly, took on lots of former military personnel, including being a recommended work place for former POWs who were struggling to settle down post-war.

The fact that there are 11 of them immediately made me think they are a works football team.

herringbonekid · Dec 16, 2013

BK, no idea. TT's guess sounds like a good one.

Baron Kurtz · Dec 16, 2013

Yes, that sounds a good idea. They're lined up very much as a football team would.

My BAOR idea was sparked by photos of my grandfather in Germany, 1945/'46 with very similar buildings.

esteban68 · Dec 16, 2013

great photo HBK, I think football team is likely too though a pretty much mixed bunch, the blonde guy look to have done a few bouts in the ring!"...re POW's a couple do have a 'Germanic' look to them and possibly a couple of 'Italian' chaps too??? I guess we'll never know but what a good shot...why don't people write on the back of these old pictures!

one appears to have a badge on his jerseys left sleeve?

Two Types · Jan 5, 2014

An interesting double breasted work jacket seen in the film 'Violent Playground':

simonc · Jan 5, 2014

He'd be the "Bully's" dad.

Edward · Jan 6, 2014

Two Types said:
An interesting double breasted work jacket seen in the film 'Violent Playground':

I had a very similar shopcoat at my student job back in the mid 90s; it's probably still hanging in my parents' house somewhere. Mine was single-breasted, though - I've never seen a db before.

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