French Army in the First World War - to battle 1914: Uniforms - Equipment - Armament
English Text
by Laurent Mirouze and Stephane Dekerle.

With more than 500 original artifacts show, for the first time, the appearance of the French army at the outbreak of WWI, i.e. at the time of mobilization in August 1914. Approx. 1,000 photographs on 528 pages give the reader a vivid picture of the different headgear, uniforms and items of clothing and equipment including cavalry equipment (saddlery). The originals illustrated in the book derive from the Musée de l'Armée in Paris and Salon-de-Provence (L'Empérie) and are supplemented by major public and private collections. The majority of the artifacts are shown to the public for the first time. The book shows the reader the colorfulness of the French army at the beginning of the war in Europe, supplemented by the traditions of African and Arab units and influences on uniforms. The Orientally inspired clothing of "L'Armée d'Afrique," the uniforms of the Foreign Legion and colonial troops and elegant officers' clothing mirror both the fashions of the time and the prestige of wearing uniform. The complete equipment of a colonial soldier before 1914. from his képi to his knife, in almost mint quality, each individual item stamped with the personal registration number of the soldier, gives these objects a human and emotional dimension. Large format 10"x11.5" $140.00 + $5.50 p/h