Dealer Information Dealer: Blighty Militaria Location: London, United Kingdom Tel: 07729 917 773 Email: blightymilitaria@gmail.com

Scarce Original 1917 Dated French Army Officer's Horizon Blue Tunic

Code: 53545

Website: https://www.militariazone.com/ww1-jackets-coats/scarce-original-1917-dated-french-army-officer-s-horizon-blue-tunic/itm37721

A rare original French Officer's Horizon Blue Tunic dated 1917. 

This tunic is cut in a similar style to British officer's tunics of the Great War and are now very rare to find. It is very different to the standard pattern of French Army officer's tunic which usually featured a full buttoning front and stand-and-fall collar. This style was popular with members of the French Air Force as well as the American pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille squadron with many period pictures to support this.

The tunic is made from the standard coloured 'Horizon blue' coloured whipcord material and features pleated breast pockets, lower bellows pockets and a full waist belt. The front fastens with 5 buttons creating a very short notched collar which is typical of the Edwardian period. The narrow shoulder displacement as well as the long skirt and single rear vent are also typical period features. The jacket is fitted with original period French brown leather 'football' style buttons as were often used during WW1. 

Inside the jacket is fully lined in a silver coloured rayon material and there are two interior pockets, one of which retains the original tailors label. The maker's name of 'G. Richard' is present as is the original owners name and the date of August 1917. 

The tunic will suit around a 36" chest and when laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 19"
Waist - 17"
Inside arm - 18 3/4"
Outside arm - 25"
Shoulders - 16 3/4"
Length - 32"

The tunic displays quite well but has clearly seen a lot of wear and use in its life and is far from perfect. There is staining, particularly to the rear, and there is various moth grazing to different parts of the tunic - most notably to the bottom of the skirt and along the bottom of the lower pockets. The lining is also very worn with some damage etc. Please study the pictures carefully before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a heavily worn, vintage item which has various flaws. 

A rare original Great War tunic which, whilst far from perfect, still displays well.