France, Republic. The Uniform of General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny

A rare and complete uniform group from the estate of noted General (and posthumous Marshal of France) Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, consisting of:

1. A tunic, constructed of olive-drab whipcord rayon-blended cloth. The shoulders feature a turned-down collar and are flanked by gold bullion wire loops formerly accommodating a set of shoulder boards. The lower half of each sleeve is pinned with five stars, reflecting a rank of Général d'armée, while each cuff is rolled up and secured in position with stitching. Stitched onto the upper left arm is an insignia consisting of the emblem of 1re Armée (1st Army), constructed of multi-coloured rayon embroidery and measuring 65 mm (w) x 65 mm (h), in turn situated above Chief of Marine Troops insignia, similarly constructed of machine embroidery and measuring 60 mm (w) x 115 mm (h). Four pockets are set into the breast flaps, with the pleated upper pockets closing with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes meeting gilded buttons, and wide lower pockets closing with rectangular flaps. Pinned onto the upper right breast is a Parachutist Qualification Wing, constructed of gilded and silvered bronze, with the reverse retaining two lugs and a retainer bar, in addition to bearing the maker’s mark of Drago, Paris. The badge measures 78 mm (w) x 50 mm (h) and fits through two threaded loops embroidered directly into the base material. Additional threaded loops set into the upper right pocket accommodate other awards and insignia. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece green rayon liner which transitions into a pinstripe design through the arms, featuring two breast pockets and retaining a separate matching belt of identical construction. Unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 44 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 60 cm, and an overall length of 74 cm when folded on a flat surface. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear with the exception of the missing shoulder boards, it remains in an extremely fine condition.

2. A pair of trousers, constructed of an identical olive-drab whipcord rayon-blended cloth. Six belt loops are distributed around the waistband, while dual front pockets open vertically at the upper thighs, and dual back pockets close with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes meeting bakelite buttons. Dual dark olive-drab wool tresses extend the full length of each leg, while the trousers close with a French fly consisting of four hidden bakelite buttons. A partial pinstripe rayon interior liner encompasses the waistband and seat. Unmarked, the trousers measure approximately 40 cm across the waistband, with an inseam of 36 cm, and an overall length of 102 cm when folded on a flat surface. Minor material fatigue is evident to the upper front of the base metal, with one spot of mothing also visible to the lower left left, but the trousers remain in an extremely fine condition.

3. A kepi, constructed of an olive-drab cotton/rayon blended cloth. The canister features reinforced side walls and a flat crown. Five metal stars are pinned to the peak, appropriately reflecting the rank of Général d'armée. Two gilded buttons flank the lower edge of the canister and accommodate a stylized chinstrap constructed of an identical olive-drab cloth and adorned with gold bullion wire oak leaves. A protruding black vulcanfibre visor completes the exterior features. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece light brown rayon liner, while a black leatherette chinstrap surrounds the lower edge. Unmarked, the kepi measures approximately 18 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 12 cm (h). Demonstrating minor material fatigue to the base material, this matching accompaniment remains in an extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Featured on the front page of the August 1 1949 TIME Magazine (Photocopies included in the lot), General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny was born on February 2, 1889, in Mouilleron-en-Pareds, France. A distinguished officer in the French Army, he graduated from the prestigious Saint-Cyr military academy and served with distinction during World War I, where he was wounded multiple times and earned recognition for bravery. During World War II, he initially served in the French army during the Battle of France in 1940, later joining the Free French forces after escaping imprisonment by the Vichy regime. De Lattre played a key role in the liberation of France, commanding the French First Army during the Allied campaigns in southern France and into Germany. After the war, de Lattre held several important military and diplomatic positions, including Inspector General of the French Army. In 1950, he was appointed High Commissioner and Commander-in-Chief in French Indochina during the First Indochina War. There, he led a successful defense against Viet Minh forces, most notably at the Battle of Vinh Yen, helping to temporarily stabilize the French position in the region. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he died of cancer on January 11, 1952, in Paris. He is remembered as one of France’s most revered military leaders of the 20th century and was later posthumously made a Marshal of France.