Scarce Original WW2 French Moroccan Troops Woollen Djellaba Cloak

A scarce original French Moroccan troops Djellaba cloak which dates from the Second World War and is in excellent condition. 

This pattern of Djellaba was used by French Moroccan Goumiers during WW2 and can be seen in use on active service in the attached pictures. These units were initially formed as a gendarmerie force which was initially only intended to be used on Moroccan territory. Various Goums did see active service however in Sicily, Italy and France and suffered over 8000 casualties - roughly 1/3 of their total strength. They were marked out by the wearing of these Djellaba cloaks which came in different colourways. The colours seen here match period photos from the Second World War and is referred to as the 'Muraille' type which was the first government issue pattern produced in WW2. It first saw use in Italy during the summer of 1944 and then in Provence.

The cape is made from wool which features a red and cream cream striped pattern. Black coloured banding joins the sleeves and hood to the main body. A painted metal 'Eclair' branded zipper has been fitted to the front in place of the original button front which is clearly a period addition. The lowest two buttons have been left in place. A leather rank tab is fitted to the front of the garment below the neck via a button to either side of the opening. It bears the Moroccan rank of colonel and is clearly original to the Djellaba.

The cloak is a large, oversized garment which is intended to be a one-size-fits-all item. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 37"
Inside arm - 13 1/2"
Outside arm - 13"
Shoulders - 36"
Length at rear - 43 1/2"

The cloak is in good condition with some signs of wear and age. There are no flaws or damage but there is some staining which is consistent with a used piece of military outerwear such as this. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-owned item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A fantastic example which is exactly the type used by French Moroccan troops during WW2. Not only that but it clearly saw use with a colonel and is in excellent condition. 
 

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'