Original WW1 French Army 81st Artillery Uniform set with Jacket & Aiguillette, Trousers, Helmet, Sam Browne Belt, Hobnailed ankle Boots and rare articulated leather Gaiters.
Jacket
An early French Artillery officers Horizon Blue uniform from the 1915 period with red collar tabs of the type in use from November 1914 until April 1915 with embroidered numbers of '81' for the 81st Artillery Regiment.
The tunic it is produced in light horizon blue gabardine indicative of 1915 rather than later.
On the left sleeve are four front line service chevrons (indicating 30 months of front line service, with the top chevron indicating 1 year and the remaining 3 indicating 6 months each).
On the right sleeve are two blue chevrons indicating that he was wounded twice.
The Aiguillette is in the colours of the Croix de Guerre awarded to the 81st Artillery regiment (in November 1918) and has a brass 81 numbers for the regiment.
The simplified gold braid rank insignia to each sleeve indicates a Sous-Lieutenant (2nd Lieutenant). Each sleeve has a nicely turned up cuff.
Crossed cannon Artillery buttons throughout - all present.
Two fabric medal ribbons are present
- WW1 Croix de Guerre (heavily faded)
- Ribbon For The Wounded
The inside jacket pocket has a label with partially legible name that may be deciphered with some effort, and a tailors makers label in the neck which is again hard to read.
The jacket is well worn overall with moth trails in many places and a torn/frayed patch at the bottom of the front. Both underarms are damaged - one torn and one badly fraying and would benefit from sympathetic repair (see final photo).
Jacket measures 19.5 inches from armpit to armpit - is approx. 38 inch chest. The arms measure 19.5 inches from armpit to cuff.
Trousers
The original trousers have the correct red piping colour for artillery regiments.
Overall condition is fair to good with 3 small holes on the inner parts of the legs and a good number of worn patches, stains and dirt patches.
Waist size approx 31 inches
Inside leg measures 31 inches.
Note that the trousers originally came with the jacket.
Helmet
Early WW1 French Artillery M15 ‘Adrian’ Helmet with dark horizon blue paint and crossed cannons artillery badge.
The original 1st pattern 7-tongued leather liner and chinstrap are present.
The helmet is generally in good condition, with a good amount of its paint remaining - 2 shades of blue visible, a lighter shade underneath and a darker shade on top - consistent with the way in which the French army darkened their helmets as the war progressed. Also some rusting.
Size is relatively large approx 58cm
Note that the helmet originally came with the jacket and trousers.
Sam Browne
Dark brown leather with a single shoulder strap. In nice condition.
Boots
Rare model 1912/16 Hobnailed Boots with rivets in the soles - most still present. Eight rows of eyelet for laces (laces not present). Leather is quite stiff but in sound overall condition.
There is a hexagonal marking inside the boots with the figure 18 inside it.
Size is relatively small - around a UK size 6.5-7.
Gaiters
Black leather gaiters appear a variant of the M1916 gaiters that strap on at the sides above ankle boots.
They have an unusual articulated leather section around the ankle to allow free movement.
They have an under boot leather strap and buckle, both present and working.
They are stamped "6" inside
Overall A very good front line officers uniform set showing heavy wear from active service during WW1.
The mannaquin is NOT included in the lot.
81st Artillery
The French Army 81st Artillery regiment was formed on October 1, 1915, at Camp de Satory, Versailles, from the motorized group of the 4th Heavy Artillery Regiment.
It's role was to operate heavy tractor-drawn cannons, howitzers, and even early French armored cars and tanks.
The regiment was heavily engaged along the Western Front and suffered significant casualties, particularly during the Chemin des Dames offensive.
The regiment was dissolved in 1924 when it was reorganized and renamed the 181st Artillery Regiment.
