Original Early 3rd Republic French Army Engineers Dolman Uniform Coat – Sino-French War Era Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The dolman entered Western culture via Hungary starting in the sixteenth and continuing on into the nineteenth centuries where Hungarian hussars developed it into an item of formal military dress uniform. The jacket was cut tight and short, and decorated with passementerie throughout. Under this was worn an embroidered shirt that was cut tightly to the waist and beneath which the shirt flared out into a skirt that sometimes reached nearly to the knee in the csakora-style. A decorated saber or sword hung from a barrel sash around the waist. The elaborate style of dress came to reflect cultural values with regard to romantic military patriotism. A second garment called a pelisse was frequently worn over it: a similar coat but with fur trimming, most often worn slung over the left shoulder with the sleeves (if any) hanging loose.

We believe this Dolman to be an early French 3rd Republic used example during the Sino-French War (1884-1885) and after. The uniform itself is very attractive in appearance and does appear to be complete with all buttons. These types of uniforms are tricky as they were worn by both enlisted and officers with very few differences such as the types of adornments and epaulets.

The condition is good for its age and still retains all gold colored crossed cannons buttons with the top and bottom front buttons being the correct “Helmeted Cuirassier” buttons. There are some discrepancies to report on with the uniform such as one of the strands of knots is torn away and hanging down on the top right side (see photos), there are repairs on the cuff style collar as well as minor tearing and the expected moth nips are present.

This is a beauty of a French Dolman and items such as these are growing increasingly difficult to find out in the wild. You do not want to miss out on the chance to add this one to your displays!

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5”
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16.5”
Chest width: 20”
Waist width: 18”
Hip width: 18”
Front length: 28″