Original French WWI 2nd Hussars Pilot Air Service Officer Uniform Set – Nearly Identical to French Ace Charles Nungesser – Armée de l’Air Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is an absolutely stunning uniform set. This is a black wool 2nd Hussars Pilot Armée de l’Air French Air Service Pilot Officer Uniform Set that is Nearly Identical to the uniform worn by French Ace Charles Nungesser!

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.

The uniform is comprised of the following items:

– Black wool French Air Service 2nd Hussars service coat, single breasted with all 7 brass buttons down front. The collar tabs feature beautiful gold bullion and maroon thread “winged star” insignia with vibrant color. The right side of the uniform features an original Great War metal “B” hallmarked Pilot’s Wings Badge. The badge is wartime manufactured version as indicated by the serial number. These badges in their own are very rare and sought after. Other original insignia present is a pair of ribbons for the Croix de Guerre and the Combatant’s Cross. The final insignia present is one that we have not encountered before or was able to identify. The interior lining is nicely unit stamped 1. G.A. (1er Groupe d’Aviation).

World War One 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 front features a number 2 for the 2nd Hussars. This example kepi is high quality and most likely a private purchase. It was issued to an officer with a bullion cross design to the crown. Interior has a leather sweatband with no maker marks present.

– French WWI black wool trousers are in wonderful condition with minor moth nips present and no extensive damage.

– French WWI knee height leather boots. As the extremities of the human frame, the hands, fingers, feet and toes, generally suffer more from cold exposure, it was these areas that needed to be adequately protected. The WW1 issue of knee or thigh boots, often worn with socks with multiple loose layers of silk and wool were superseded by the 1930-pattern boot; a knee length, light brown suede-boot lined with sheepskin with a rubberised section covering the foot. This rubberised covering prevented the lower areas of the boot absorbing water when traipsing across the apron to the aircraft and the water subsequently freezing in flight. While these boots aren’t the later produced 1930 pattern, the types of boots offered here still provided the pilot with an adequate amount of protection and warmth while in the skies. They are in wonderful condition and constructed entirely of leather without any lining. They are still structurally sound with a great appearance.

A fantastic uniform set combination once made famous by the renowned French Ace Charles Eugène Jules Marie Nungesser. Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5″
Shoulder to sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to shoulder: 14.5”
Chest width: 17″
Waist width: 16″
Hip width: 21″
Front length: 31″

Pants
Waist: 16.5″
Inseam: 27″