French Horizon Blue Tunic WW1

[tubist73]

Thank you all for the positive comments. And a special thanks to Rob for such a detailed reply - I'll stare some more at the remains of the white stitching and see if I can confirm the 95e territorials. I have seen separate examples of the musicians' braid but cannot see any sign of it being fitted on this capote. I guess that wasn't so uncommon in wartime.

I'm currently working on re-stringing an original snare drum for the next display using this same coat - wish me luck! Any more examples of musicians' attire out there?

Matthew

[Kohima]

Bon chance with the drum! I am sure you are correct in your thoughts, regarding the absence of musician braid (and many other things besides) in wartime.
I don’t think I have any Great War musicians’ kit, but not through lack of interest. I look forward to seeing some, too.
The 36e RIT is always a possible... Tricksy one.

I’ve been searching for a Second World War German music pouch for years, but never seen one! You’d think there would be a few kicking around...

[tubist73]

I know what you mean, Rob. Some very common military musician's equipment or instruments are very hard to find. I assume because so much of it was split up and reused after each war. I have several reference books on British military music but very little on French, German and others - it's probably such a specialist field that books only exist in the original languages.

I cheated a bit and used the lower half of the same mannequin to redo my WW1 French medic / stretcher bearer. This time with some more appropriate kit and minus the infantryman's gear and rifle (as mentioned in the comments above). I managed to pick up a nice early Adrian helmet with medical badge on the front, as well as a red cross armband. I know it would usually be worn on the left arm but I switched it to keep the cross, stamp and other medic's cloth badge all visible together. He's also wearing a belt with a single prong rather than the usual two.

It was getting dark when I set this up, so we'll have to imagine a medical detachment heading out at dusk for their sombre duties. I had relatives in the RAMC in both wars who did this same job - they never ever talked about what they saw or experienced for obvious reasons.

Does anyone out there have French examples of the straps used to carry the stretchers on their shoulders?

Matthew

[tubist73]

I just found some images of my only M1884 Kepi which I thought would fit into this thread. Examples of these kepis seem to crop up quite often here in France but usually have terrible moth damage or dubious insignia added to the front. I believe this to be all original, with some minor repairs, but unfortunately the stamps under the circular flap in the crown have been worn away. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Matthew