This is an outstanding First World War
French enlisted man’s artillery uniform group that remains in excellent field
used condition. It consists of a uniform jacket, trousers, putties, boots, and
a Model 1915 Adrain artillery helmet. The uniform jacket is constructed of
horizon blue gabardine wool and has seven domed artillery buttons down the
front. It has two breast and two hip pockets with scallop flaps that have domed
artillery button closures. On each shoulder is a sewn-in shoulder strap that is
held down by a small, domed artillery button. The collar has red wool collar
tabs that have the regimental number ‘37’ hand embroidered in metallic gold
bullion thread. The sleeves are with faux turn back cuffs and there is a
metallic gold service bar sewn above each cuff. The jacket is lined with
mouse-gray satin and the sleeves with white cotton mattress ticking. There is
an internal scallop flapped breast pocket on each of the front panels that is
held closed by a gray plastic button. The back of the jacket is with a split
tail, a reinforced vertical back seam, and a sewn down belt.
The trousers are the jopper horseback
riding type with flared sides and lace-up legs. They are constructed of
matching horizon blue gabardine wool to that of the uniform jacket. There are
two side pockets and a red welt running down the length of each leg. The
interior is lined with white muslin material. The front is with a hidden button
down fly and metal hook closure. There are exterior buttons at the front and
back of the waistband for use with suspenders.
At the back is an adjustment tab and a dual prong metal buckle. There is
a tailor’s label embroidered in gold cotton thread directly to the lining at
the back of the waistband that reads, ‘BELLE JARDINIERE - PARIS’. The seat of
the trousers is reinforced with an additional layer of horizon blue fabric and
the insides of the legs have leather reinforcement panels sewn in to facilitate
riding the trace horses that pulled the artillery pieces. Accompanying the
trousers is a pair of horizon blue wool putties with ties for wrapping around
the lower legs. The material on the jacket and the trousers has several small
sewn field repairs to holes incurred in service. These do not distract from the
appearance of the pieces in any way.
The boots are the standard, low cut
hobnailed type and are complete with what looks like original laces. All the
hobnails are present and tightly affixed to the heels and soles. The leather is
strong and pliable. There is an old crack in the side of the left boot from
actual service wear at the front. Very scarce pair of First World War footwear.
Finishing the group is a nice World War
I French Model 1915 Adrian artillery helmet in complete and very good
condition. The shell is without dents except for a slight and almost
unnoticeable crease in the left side. It is painted with a layer of Moutard or
mustard colored paint over the original factory horizon blue finish which can
be seen beneath the over paint in the chipped areas. Affixed to the front is
the French Republic ‘RF’ flaming bomb insignia superimposed over a pair of
crossed cannons. The helmet is complete with a full 2nd pattern leather liner
and an unbroken chinstrap which is hanging on by a thread at the left bale.
This is a complete and comprehensive uniform group that remains in very good
condition. It has undoubtedly witnessed the horror and carnage of First World
War trench warfare. It has finished its service to Fance and now deserves a
special place of honor in a fine, historic military collection.
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