Original Group. One-of-a-Kind. From its foundation until World War I the Foreign Legion normally wore the uniform of the French line infantry for parade with a few special distinctions. In the early 20th century the legionnaire wore a red kepi with blue band and piping, dark blue tunic with red collar, red cuff patches, and red trousers. Distinctive features were the green epaulets (replacing the red of the line) worn with red woolen fringes; plus the embroidered Legion badge of a red flaming grenade, worn on the kepi front instead of a regimental number. In the field a light khaki cover was worn over the kepi, though this one was manufactured in the khaki color and was more than likely a private purchase. During the initial months of World War I, Foreign Legion units serving in France wore the standard blue greatcoat and red trousers of the French line infantry, distinguished only by collar patches of the same blue as the capote, instead of red. After a short period in sky-blue the Foreign Legion adopted khaki, in common with other units of the Armée d'Afrique, with steel helmets, from early 1916.

This is a lovely Post-WWI French Foreign Legion Corduroy uniform named on the interior under the buttons to Motat Gouaix of the 4th Foreign Regiment as indicated by the collar tabs. The Created in November 1920 in Marrakesh, Morocco, the 4th Foreign Regiment became the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment in 1922. Following its formation, the regiment was engaged in campaigns in Morocco in the Rif War between 1920 and 1934.

The included red and green armband are the correct colors for the 4th Regiment, a great addition!

The jacket retains all buttons although some were added later. There is a bag in one pocket with 6 large buttons and 2 small buttons. The material is well-retained and displays well. The interior has a small maker’s tag for L. Arraou of Paris. There are some small field repairs in the material.

There are two pairs of corduroy breeches with the uniform which are both in good service-worn condition, but some of the buttons are broken. These breeches are very difficult to find on their own.

The included Y-Strap rig is from the 1950s era and was added to the grouping for display purposes. It sits well in the belt loops on the jacket and is good for display.

This is a very scarce identified French Foreign Legion grouping, ready for further research and display!

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 9"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15"
Chest width: 19”
Waist: 19.5"
Hip: 23"
Front length: 31.5"

Pants:-
Waist: 17"
Inseam: 23"

Waist: 17"
Inseam: 23"

While suffering heavy casualties on the Western Front the Legion had emerged from World War I with an enhanced reputation and as one of the most highly decorated units in the French Army. In 1919, the government of Spain raised the Spanish Foreign Legion and modeled it after the French Foreign Legion. General Jean Mordacq intended to rebuild the Foreign Legion as a larger military formation, doing away with the legion's traditional role as a solely infantry formation. General Mordacq envisioned a Foreign Legion consisting not of regiments, but of divisions with cavalry, engineer, and artillery regiments in addition to the legion's infantry mainstay. In 1920, decrees ordained the establishment of regiments of cavalry and artillery. Immediately following the armistice the Foreign Legion experienced an increase of enlistments. The Foreign Legion began the process of reorganizing and redeploying to Algeria.