Lot 027: World War II Western Australian Orderly Nurse Uniform

Estimate: $150 - $200 AUD. Current bid: $9 AUD.

A vintage light blue nurse's uniform dress with a white collar and a red cross emblem, likely from the mid-20th century, made of cotton blend fabric. A vintage light blue nurse's uniform dress with a white collar and a red cross emblem, likely from the mid-20th century, made of cotton blend fabric. - View 2 A vintage light blue nurse's uniform dress with a white collar and a red cross emblem, likely from the mid-20th century, made of cotton blend fabric. - View 3 A vintage light blue nurse's uniform dress with a white collar and a red cross emblem, likely from the mid-20th century, made of cotton blend fabric. - View 4 A vintage light blue nurse's uniform dress with a white collar and a red cross emblem, likely from the mid-20th century, made of cotton blend fabric. - View 5 A vintage light blue nurse's uniform dress with a white collar and a red cross emblem, likely from the mid-20th century, made of cotton blend fabric. - View 6

Description

An authentic World War II-era medical orderly or nurse's uniform dress sourced from Western Australia. The garment is constructed from a durable light blue woven fabric, featuring a contrasting white collar, a button-up front, and a prominent stitched Red Cross insignia on the left breast. It stands as a tangible artifact of the local wartime medical effort. Key Details Era: World War II (c. 1939-1945) Region: Western Australia Garment Type: Orderly / Nurse Uniform Dress Material: Blue woven textile, white fabric collar Insignia: Embroidered red cross on a white shield ground Hardware: Pearlescent white buttons with central metal pins Historical Facts During the Second World War, auxiliary medical staff, orderlies, and Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses were essential to both civilian and military healthcare infrastructure in Western Australia. The standardized light blue uniform with a white collar and Red Cross insignia provided immediate visual identification in clinical settings. The garments were explicitly designed for high utility, featuring deep patch pockets and robust fabrics to withstand constant laundering and the physical demands of wartime hospital wards. Intended Use Acquisition for military and medical history collections, institutional museum displays, or strictly cataloged archival storage.

Condition Report

Fair, authentic field condition. The garment is structurally complete with its primary original buttons intact. The blue fabric displays widespread localized staining, dark mottling, and heavy discoloration throughout both the front and back panels, reflecting extensive historical use. The white collar exhibits severe age-related yellowing and oxidation. The stitched Red Cross breast patch is firmly attached but carries surface marks and ingrained dust. The dual front patch pockets show minor thread fraying at the base seams.

Specifications

CategoryVintage
Lot ReferenceLOT-027
Estimate (AUD)$150 - $200
Buyer's Premium20%

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