379 - MONACO

MONACO Postilion jacket from the Principality of Monaco Made of dark blue wool cloth, with red lapels and facings, scarlet piping on the sleeves, the front panel edged with 34 gilded brass buttons bearing the coat of arms of the Principality of Monaco beneath a crown, the cuff is missing; the lapel features two faux pockets in blue cloth with scarlet piping and 13 buttons; the lining is made of unbleached cotton canvas. Moth holes and tears; one sleeve button has been replaced by the Compagnie Générale des Voitures in Paris. Monaco, late 19th century. H. 63 cm. History Established in 1570, the Poste aux chevaux, a state-run institution, was responsible for providing horses for transportation and for driving travelers and stagecoaches. A regulation uniform was created in 1786, consisting of a blue cloth jacket with red lapels and facings, an armband on the left arm, and an engraved metal plaque indicating the rider’s station and rank worn on the left arm, a red vest with silver braid, and white leather breeches.