GALA UNDERSHIRT OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON III'S HUNDRED GUARDS SQUADRON, SECOND EMPIRE.
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GALA OVERVEST OF THE CENT-GUARD SQUADRON OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON III, SECOND EMPIRE.
Overvest in chamois cloth bordered by a double gold braid (17 mm width for the inner braid and 47 mm for the outer braid), both framed by a 2 mm wide gold soutache. The front of the overvest features a gold hook at the top for the suspension of aiguillettes. In the center, a richly crafted motif is applied depicting the imperial arms (gilt stamped brass, crimson velvet, gilt and dark blue enamel silver plate, gold braid, gold threads, bullion, gold sequins). This motif shows the imperial eagle surrounded by the grand collar of the Legion of Honor placed on an imperial mantle with scattered bees topped by the imperial crown. The motif measures 19 cm in height and 16.2 cm in width. The back of the overvest is similarly braid-trimmed but without decoration. The light ochre silk lining on the inside. The two sides are sewn together on the right side and connected on the left side with seven gilded brass hooks and rings. The lining bears the handwritten inscription of the Cent-Garde's name "Balasc" with the number "21."
Perfect state of preservation, one of the finest specimens offered for sale in recent years on the market.
France.
Second Empire.
PROVENANCE: Former collections of Charles Marchal (Paris), then Russell B. AITKEN (New York - United States).
HISTORICAL CONTEXT: The description of the uniforms of the Cent-Garde squadron published in the Military Journal, issue 65 of the year 1854, as per the circular of September 20, augmented by the decrees of modifications, notably from 1856 onwards. These modifications are credited to Commander Verly. This new outfit was first worn in service on Tuesday, May 27, 1856, as indicated in a letter dated June 1, 1856: "We had a great review passed by the Emperor at the Champ de Mars, last Tuesday. For that day, I had arranged a surprise for His Majesty. I had my men don their new outfits, and the Emperor was very pleased. It had a magnificent effect." Until December 1854, the cuirass and padding were replaced for the grand ceremonial attire on foot by a fabric cuirass called "overvest." Palace cuirass: A. Gilbert on Rue de Bellefond was commissioned to create a plaque model for this cuirass on August 31, 1854. In fact, there were two embroidery designs: one with a radiant sun background and the other simply depicting the imperial mantle. No order seems to have been placed with Gilbert, as the plaque model probably didn't suit. Eventually, embroideries adorned with small gilt metal elements were selected. Nevertheless, ink-written numbers found inside the salon cuirasses prove they were worn from the uniform presentation in Biarritz in July 1854. Delivery receipts from the Paule house in December 1854 mention the discontinuation of these fabric cuirasses, which were of significant cost at 275 francs each.
Overvest in chamois cloth bordered by a double gold braid (17 mm width for the inner braid and 47 mm for the outer braid), both framed by a 2 mm wide gold soutache. The front of the overvest features a gold hook at the top for the suspension of aiguillettes. In the center, a richly crafted motif is applied depicting the imperial arms (gilt stamped brass, crimson velvet, gilt and dark blue enamel silver plate, gold braid, gold threads, bullion, gold sequins). This motif shows the imperial eagle surrounded by the grand collar of the Legion of Honor placed on an imperial mantle with scattered bees topped by the imperial crown. The motif measures 19 cm in height and 16.2 cm in width. The back of the overvest is similarly braid-trimmed but without decoration. The light ochre silk lining on the inside. The two sides are sewn together on the right side and connected on the left side with seven gilded brass hooks and rings. The lining bears the handwritten inscription of the Cent-Garde's name "Balasc" with the number "21."
Perfect state of preservation, one of the finest specimens offered for sale in recent years on the market.
France.
Second Empire.
PROVENANCE: Former collections of Charles Marchal (Paris), then Russell B. AITKEN (New York - United States).
HISTORICAL CONTEXT: The description of the uniforms of the Cent-Garde squadron published in the Military Journal, issue 65 of the year 1854, as per the circular of September 20, augmented by the decrees of modifications, notably from 1856 onwards. These modifications are credited to Commander Verly. This new outfit was first worn in service on Tuesday, May 27, 1856, as indicated in a letter dated June 1, 1856: "We had a great review passed by the Emperor at the Champ de Mars, last Tuesday. For that day, I had arranged a surprise for His Majesty. I had my men don their new outfits, and the Emperor was very pleased. It had a magnificent effect." Until December 1854, the cuirass and padding were replaced for the grand ceremonial attire on foot by a fabric cuirass called "overvest." Palace cuirass: A. Gilbert on Rue de Bellefond was commissioned to create a plaque model for this cuirass on August 31, 1854. In fact, there were two embroidery designs: one with a radiant sun background and the other simply depicting the imperial mantle. No order seems to have been placed with Gilbert, as the plaque model probably didn't suit. Eventually, embroideries adorned with small gilt metal elements were selected. Nevertheless, ink-written numbers found inside the salon cuirasses prove they were worn from the uniform presentation in Biarritz in July 1854. Delivery receipts from the Paule house in December 1854 mention the discontinuation of these fabric cuirasses, which were of significant cost at 275 francs each.
Reference :
12396
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