Rare WW1 French M1873 Artillery Blouse (50th Artillery Regiment)

A wonderful M1873 Artillery Blouse for a Farrier of the 50th Field Artillery. These early issue garments were still being worn by French troops when war broke out in 1914 this piece being dated 1905.
The 50th Field Artillery were garrisoned in Rennes & part of the 10th Brigade , X Corps. For all artillerymen this blouse was the main garment for all forms of dress.
Of fine dark blue cloth it has buttoned shoulder straps which immediately identify this an Artillery jacket. with standup collar & red collar tabs of the 50th matching the regimentals markings stamped onto the interior lining. The front is fastened by nine tombac buttons that have the crossed cannons & bursting grenade of Artillery troops. Interior lining shows it as belonging to the 50th Artillery with a previous unit issue before this. The inspection stamp gives the date as 1905. Bullion horseshoe Farrier badge to left sleeve.
In excellent condition having escaped the ravages of moth for over 100 years .

Code: 11956