Original French First Empire Napoleonic 2nd Hussars Dolman Jacket with Later 19th Century Alterations & Buttons - Circa 1805
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous Napoleonic Dolman uniform jacket for a member of the French 2nd Hussars, which saw heavy fighting during the Battle of Austerlitz, considered to be one of the most important military engagements of the Napoleonic Wars. They also saw combat at Nienberg, Halle, Crewitz, Mohrungen, Osterode, Friedland, and many more engagements during the period. This lovely jacket appears to be of early 19th Century manufacture, roughly 1805, with some alterations during the latter half of the century, including the replacement of its buttons, which are all marked on the reverse with R F & Cie. 1711 Paris. This style of button dates to the 1880s, so it’s possible this was later worn by a veteran at reunions or was handed down.
The jacket retains all of its 1880s-period original 90 buttons on the front, quite a feat considering its age. It retains its dark brown color, reserved for men of the 2nd Hussars, with sky blue facings on the collar & cuffs, all trimmed with white braiding. There is correctly only one shoulder “board”, a white braid retained by another rounded ball button. The back of the jacket retains its white braiding very well without any areas of serious loss. The uniform is cut in the correct early 19th century manner and appears to have been cut down to fit a smaller size.
The interior lining of the jacket is well-retained, and there is an inscription which has faded a bit, No. 11093, possibly a regimental number. The stitching on the uniform is well-retained and evident of the period, with the stitching of the tail being visible from the interior. The interior shoulders are well-intact. The small clips that tighten the cuffs are missing on one cuff, while they are all intact on the other cuff, another meticulous detail.
This is a tremendous jacket that has been well-preserved over the past 200+ years, having been altered for later wear or display in the late 19th century. A genuine Napoleonic uniform for a unit that saw heavy fighting during the Wars. Comes ready for further research and display!
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