1174 - A rare African dress tunic worn by officers of the Foreign Legion from 1845 to 1865. Made entirely of green “Legion” cloth, this color indicates that the garment belonged to the Second Foreign Legion or the First Foreign Regiment between 1855 and 1859. The commander’s braids are original, and the sleeves fasten with two rows of 18 small, smooth, gilded bell-shaped buttons. The lining is made of fine black cotton and features a wide leather strip reinforcing the area where the belt is worn. The stand-up collar features scarlet piping, and the tunic fastens with nine flat, smooth, gilded buttons. A similar item is preserved in the reserves of the Foreign Legion Museum in Aubagne and dates from the centennial of the African Army in 1930–1931. The tunic on display therefore most likely dates from the same period. Rare African service dress tunic worn by French Foreign Legion officers between 1845 and 1865. Made entirely of Legion green wool cloth, its color indicates that the garment belonged to the Second Foreign Legion or the 1st Foreign Regiment between 1855 and 1859. The commandant’s rank braids are original, and the sleeves fasten with two rows of 18 small, smooth, gilt bell-shaped buttons. The interior is lined with fine black cotton and features a wide leather strip reinforcing the area where the belt is worn. The stand-up collar has scarlet piping, and the tunic fastens with nine smooth, flat gilt buttons. A similar garment is held in the reserves of the Legion Museum in Aubagne and dates from the 1930–1931 centennial of the Army of Africa. The tunic offered here therefore most likely dates from the same period.