-40%
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando
ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando

ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando "Bren Bra" Vest (H&S 1943)

$ 150.47

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Item must be returned within: 14 Days
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Condition: New
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted

    Description

    ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando "Bren Bra" Vest (H&S 1943)
    ORIGINAL,RARE & MINT Condition British Commando "Bren Bra" Vest (H&S 1943)
    Click images to enlarge
    Description
    ?This is an ORIGINAL and RARE "Commando Bren Bra" or "Skeleton Vest", as reputedly issued to British Commandos and other elite units during WWII.  I purchased this vest in September, 1990 from Hayes Otoupalik of Missoula, MT, the largest militaria dealer in the US, if not the world. I was recently contacted by someone who thought this was one of the more recent reproductions done by International Military Antiques ("IMA"), so I contacted Hayes and here was his reply:
    "
    Dear Stan. Great to hear from you.   While in recent years IMA has reproduced the skeleton vest they are in large size as made for
    re-enactors  and what doesn't IMA make reproductions of.... By the way I got these Skeleton
    Vests from Andrew Scott  in the early 1980's.  I have been sold out of them for many many years..... There are a lot of self anointed experts our there..."
    Hopefully this will lay to rest this misconception.  Anyone still doubting the authenticity may contact Hayes at his place of business in Missoula, MT.
    The vest is size medium, which equates to a 36-42" waist size as measured when the lower belt is fully-extended or cinched to its narrowest.
    The vest still retains the "M" which was marked in white chalk to speed the determination of size during the vest's issuance
    . The vest, which is in MINT UNISSUED condition, is made of heavy dark brown canvas with khaki/light OD webbing used for the upper and lower belts or straps.  The vest was manufactured in 1943 by "H&S" and is so-stamped inside the Y of the yoke (See close-up image), along with the British king's "broad arrow" acceptance stamp. The two large pouches on the front of the vest are for the carry of the magazines for the Bren light machine gun, hence the name "Bren Bra" by collectors.  Each of these large pockets are secured with a flap with a wooden "toggle". There is a slot on the left hip which was supposedly for attachment of the spike bayonet for the Enfield rifle.  Unfortunately, I was unable to find any more information on the US Militaria Forum or elsewhere, so I would appreciate being contacted by anyone who is knowledgeable about these unusual vests.
    Here's an opportunity for the advanced British webbing collector to obtain a rare and unusual combat vest in pristine condition.  The buyer will have my usual unconditional guarantee of authenticity and a five-day (
    not the 14-days that they insert in my listings without my consent
    ) right of inspection and return/refund privilege, excluding postage.
    PLEASE SCROLL DOWNWARD TO SEE REMAINING IMAGES!!!
    Condition:
    New
    Payment
    Paypal
    Paypal:
    PayPal is gladly accepted and is accommodated through the checkout or may be made directly from PayPal's website at www.paypal.com. Your item will be mailed the next business/mailing day after your Payapl payment is received, unless I happen to be out of my office.
    Payment Policy:
    PayPal: PayPal is gladly accepted and is accommodated through the checkout or may be made directly from PayPal's website at www.paypal.com. Your item will be mailed the next business/mailing day after your Payapl payment is received, unless I happen to be out of my office.
    Shipping
    Domestic shipping: Weight based Shipping Charges.
    Domestic Carriers are: Usps Priority
    International shipping: Weight based Shipping Charges.
    International Carriers are: Usps Priority Intl
    I will ship to:
    United States, Worldwide
    Weight:
    3 lbs.
    Shipping and Handling:
    Please check eBay's Shipping & Payment tab
    Hello! I'm a militaria collector like you and I do this as a sideline to my own collecting.  Nonetheless, I'll handle your order in a business-like and professional manner.  Thanks for your business!
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