Original French WWI 160th Infantry Regiment Officers Pre-1914 Tunic With Pantalon Rouge (Red Trousers), Kepi, Sam Browne Belt and Leather Gaiters Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. Now this is an incredible and rather rare matching uniform set. The uniform set itself is in wonderful condition with all components (that should be unit marked) bearing the same “160” regiment markings on the tunic and kepi. Information on this regiment is rather difficult to locate, making this an excellent research opportunity.

During World War I, France was one of the Triple Entente powers allied against the Central Powers. Although fighting occurred worldwide, the bulk of the French Army’s operations occurred in Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Alsace-Lorraine along what came to be known as the Western Front, which consisted mainly of trench warfare. Specific operational, tactical, and strategic decisions by the high command on both sides of the conflict led to shifts in organizational capacity, as the French Army tried to respond to day-to-day fighting and long-term strategic and operational agendas. In particular, many problems caused the French high command to re-evaluate standard procedures, revise its command structures, re-equip the army, and to develop different tactical approaches.

The tunic is “Pre-1914” and is dark blue wool of a finer cloth than that used in the greatcoat; single-breasted with one row of nine small buttons (model 1871) in brass with flaming grenade in relief. The lining is black polished tightly woven wool and is retained very well. All buttons and adornments are still completely attached and quite appealing. There is scattered moth nips present but nothing that subtracts from the beauty of it.

The trousers are also pre war era and are the “madder red”. There are visible markings on the interior, one of which is for a costumers. Do not worry as customers in the post war years would use original uniforms as part of their productions. The condition is quite nice with scattered moth nips and some minor staining. The pantalon rouge (French for ‘red trousers’) were an integral part of the uniform of the French army from 1829 to 1914. Some parts of the Kingdom of France’s army already wore red trousers or breeches but the French Revolution saw the introduction of white trousers for infantrymen. Following the 1814 Bourbon Restoration white breeches or blue trousers were worn but red trousers for infantry were adopted in 1829 to encourage the French rose madder dye-growing industry. Madder red is a shade darker than the scarlet of British uniforms.

By the early 20th century other European nations had adopted drab combat uniforms as a response to the changing nature of warfare. An early 1914 attempt by minister of war Adolphe Messimy to modernise the French infantry uniform was rejected after opposition in the press that it was “contrary both to French taste and military function”. The bright French uniform contributed to the high casualty rate in the first months of the First World War. The lack of supply of the German-supplied artificial alizarin dye, which had replaced the traditional rose madder, led to the French adopting, in December 1914, a less conspicuous horizon blue uniform, based on Messimy’s proposal.

The kepi is a lovely model 1886 with the number “160” on the front, the same regimental numbers present on the cuff collar of the tunic. This is a nice World War One era French Infantry Model 1886 kepi in good 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.

This example is a high quality kepi, most likely a private purchase. Interior has a leather sweatband that is heavily worn with sections torn away and missing. The interior lining is retained well and bears a hard to read Bordeaux manufacturer label.

The leather Sam Browne belt and Leather Leg Gaiters are both in wonderful condition. The leather is still strong with great stitching and functional buttons. They do show their age but display very well with the uniform set.

A lovely WWI French Officer uniform that comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9″
Shoulder to sleeve: 23.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 14”
Chest width: 19″
Waist width: 18″
Hip width: 19.5″
Front length: 28″

Pants:
Waist: 16″
Inseam: 24″