Original Items: Only One Set Available. At the start of the First World War, France led the world in aircraft design and by mid-1912 the Aéronautique Militaire had five squadrons ("escadrilles"). This had grown to 132 machines and 21 escadrilles by 1914, the same year when, on 21 February, it formally received a budget under the Ministry of War. On 3 August, Germany declared war against France.

Now this is an absolutely stunning uniform set. This was the standard issue for a WWI French Observer. Horizon blue French Air Service service coat, single breasted with all 7 brass buttons down front. The collar tabs feature beautiful gold bullion on black felt “winged star” insignia with the color retained very well. The right side of the uniform features a lovely “B” hallmarked Aerial Observer’s Wings Badge with the colors retained very well. The badge was issued in the final years of the war, while the “B” hallmarked badges were used up into 1925. The badge is serialized with the number 1983 indicating that it dates between 1916 to 1917. These badges in their own standpoint are very rare. The belt featured on the tunic is in wonderful condition and rests on the integrated belt hooks on the tunic quite nicely. The interior of the tunic is in good service-worn shape, showing some rips in the lining which is to be expected.

The uniform bears ribbons on the left breast for the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star. Below these is a great French squadron pin depicting a Cross of Lorraine over a flower, which we have found is often associated with Escadrille 115 as well as 314. This badge has been seen worn by a mechanic of CAP 115, from March 1918 until August 1919, but we are not entirely certain which squadron this observer would have been part of. There is also a very worn braided Fourragère cord on the left shoulder. The cuffs bear 4 gold stripes which indicate the rank of Commandant, the equivalent of a U.S. Major.The jacket is named on the interior via a tag to C. Gaba, with a date that looks like 8 1918 for August 1918. The jacket was tailored by Plasson of Bourges.

There are two pairs of breeches with the uniform, one brown and one dark blue with two red stripes. They are both in good shape with minor moth nipping and pair very well with the uniform.

The kepi is a nice World War One era French Infantry Officer kepi in excellent condition. This is the lower height style kepi they first started using after phasing out the floppy or "bummer" type kepis. This style was only worn for a short time during WWI into the early 1920's. The number of bands around the cap would indicate the rank, which appears to be the same as is on the uniform, Commandant. The lining of the cap appears to be mostly gone, and a piece of cardboard has been inserted to keep its shape. It really ties the entire uniform set together.

This is a truly incredible set that does not come up for sale often. Comes ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 10.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 23”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15"
Chest width: 18.5”
Waist: 18"
Hip: 20"
Front length: 32"

Pants:-
Waist: 16.5"
Inseam: 25.5"

Waist: 14"
Inseam: 26"