Rare WW1 French Guards Officers Horizon Blue Tunic

~ Rare WW1 French Guards Officers Horizon Blue Tunic ~

This pattern of tunic was worn by French troops at the beginning of the Great War.

The tunic is made of horizon blue fabric with a two section high collar.

The collar is dark blue with dark-red patches with brass “R” insignia on sides.

It has Guards pattern cuffs in dark-blue and red with two gilt braid rank strips.

The tunic is of a hidden chest design with red edges on its pockets flaps.

The epaulettes are also blue with red edges and twisted gold bullion wiring indicating the rank.

All buttons are made of brass and one is a period replacement.

The lining of the tunic is made of grey silk and the collar lining made of black silk.

The cuffs lining is of cream silk.

~ Dimensions ~

The tunic is 31 ½ inches (80 cm) tall (on the rear side) from the collar’s top to the lower edge of the tunic.

The width from shoulder to shoulder is 17 inches (43.3 cm).

The arm length (on the outside) from shoulder seam to the end of cuff is 23 inches (58.5 cm).

The waist is 16 inches (40.7 cm) across.

The chest (when laid down flat) from armpit to armpit is 17 inches (43.3 cm) across.

It weighs 1.45 Kg.

~ Condition ~

The tunic is in good condition for its age.

There are a couple few holes, but nothing serious and a couple of stains.

One epaulette has become detached on one edge

The lining has some general service wear.

The collar lining has one tear, as seen in the pictures.