WW1 French 87th Artillery Regiment 'Observer Balloon Mechanic' Tunic

***Straight from the attic tunic with moth holes & wear , all original insignia never been off the tunic***

A four pocket tunic to a trained specialist of the 87th Artillery Regiment who was an Observer Balloon Mechanic as denoted by the yellow patch to his left arm. Maintaining balloons was an important requirement, as balloons were used in WWI primarily for day and night observation (locating targets and tracking activity behind enemy lines), as well as regulating artillery fire. Dating from around the 1915 period & one of many variations of 'veste' that can be seen being worn by the French soldier in WW1 according to personal preference & what was available at the time. Greatcoats were often cut down to make tunics these being prevalent throughout WW1. Early red collar tabs are totally original with embroidered regimental numbers & crossed cannon artillery buttons .
A totally untouched piece straight out of WW1 it has a patch repair to right side quite possibly as a result of a wound .

Code: 14649