1942 Hosiery
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1942-1949 Socks and stockings manufactured under the Utility Scheme, from 1942 until 1949
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(1) A pair of rayon stockings size 9½. They are knitted to shape with a seam up the back, or fully fashioned. The heels and toes have slight reinforcement along the soles and for 2" above the heels. The utility mark is printed on each sole and the size is printed on the toes. They are unworn and the 4" deep tops are joined by the label, which says St.Michael, Rayon Hose, British made; St.Michael was adopted as a brand name in 1928 by Marks & Spencer.
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(2) A pair of men's grey woollen socks. They are in a spaced rib, with 5" of a closer rib at the tops; the soles are in stocking stitch, as are the heels and toes which are reinforced with nylon. The brand name is Martus, printed on the toes, and the utility mark is printed on the soles. They measure 14½" long from the tops to the base of the heels.
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(3) A pair of cotton lisle stockings, size 9½. The toes and heels are are slightly thicker texture; the 3¾" deep tops are folded over and joined by the label which says "Sunbro" regd. Hosiery. The back of the label has Longer Wear hints including washing instructions. The tag next to the label states the price as 2/11d which is nearly 15 pence in decimal coinage, and the utility mark is printed on each sole.
Contemporary illustrations
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Illustration to a fashion feature by Anne Scott-James in Picture Post, March 1941
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Advertisement in Picture Post, August 1941
History
These socks and stockings were made under the Utility scheme, set up in 1942 during the second world war after clothes rationing was introduced in 1941. It ensured that good quality clothing was available to everyone at affordable prices, and garments in the scheme all carried labels with the Utility Mark.