This is an original pair of British CC41 Utility black wool stockings, dating to the early years of WW2 and produced under the government’s wartime Utility Clothing Scheme. Marked with the CC41 symbol printed directly to the sole, these stockings are a genuine civilian Home Front item, made to strict wartime regulations governing materials, manufacture, and cost.

Unlike the more commonly encountered later-war hosiery made from rayon or early synthetic “tights-type” materials, wool stockings are firmly associated with the early Utility period, when shortages were most acute and practical warmth took precedence over comfort or fashion. Wool and wool-blend stockings were heavier, harder wearing, and less desirable to wear, which means far fewer pairs were kept unused. As a result, original wool examples are noticeably scarcer today and are generally regarded as more collectible and more valuable than their later synthetic counterparts.

The survival of this pair in unworn condition is particularly noteworthy. The stockings remain clipped together with their original small metal retail clip and card, a feature rarely seen and strongly indicative of unused, shop-stock condition. Worn examples often show stretching, thinning, or repairs, making clean, unused wool pairs especially difficult to source.

As a Home Front object, these stockings are a strong representation of early-war civilian austerity, reflecting both the material shortages and the everyday realities faced by British women during the first half of the conflict. They display well, date securely to the Utility period, and sit comfortably within a serious WW2 civilian clothing collection.

It’s not often you can look at a piece and claim mint condition, and while time will always be against you, this pair is as good as it gets condition wise. The photos speak for themselves and the only ‘damage’ I can see anywhere on them is on the metal retail clip. It has some tarnishing but even then, it’s very mild.

Because these are wool stockings, please do keep them sealed (we will provide a sealed bag free of charge) and away from moths!