French Colonial Infantry ( Marines ) Uniform Grouping With 'Battle For France' 502nd Tank Regiment Interest

A rare French 'Grande Tenue' ( Best Dress ) uniform grouping to a Colonial infantry officer comprising Kepi , tunic , epaulettes , dress belt & trousers . These well respected elite troops are regarded as Marines in the French military although not directly attached to the French Navy. It is interesting to note that the Kepi has a gold embossed tailor name ' Loux' to the sweatband & a unit marking ' 502 Chars d'Assault ' this most likely being the tailor for that unit & this Colonial Infantry officer being attached to them at the time & having his Kepi made by their tailor ' Loux' . The 502nd are a famous french tank regiment that saw action during the Battle for France in 1939 . The tunic here is made by a Brest tailor with name label dated 1939 so it is almost certain that this officer took part in the Battle for France at that time.
This whole uniform grouping dates from the early thirties with the nine gilt anchor buttoned tunic being of the model 1933. Two medal ribbons adorn the breast these being the Colonial medal & the Croix De Guerre. The epaulettes are in beautiful gold bullion with the dress belt having double anchor gilted buckles. Kepi has , of course, the bullion embroidered anchor to front for Colonial officer & three gold rank braids to crown signifying rank of Major. The elongated style of the Hungarian knot to top of the Kepi denotes early thirties manufacture still using the earlier burlap lining to interior sides.
This uniform was well looked after in the postwar years as all components are in immaculate condition with just some minor service wear typical of an officers best dress. There is one small moth nip to side of Kepi.

Code: 9825