Lot 1078
Impressive Early "Zouave" Uniform. Gray/tan Zouave jacket, vest, trousers, sash, leggings, stocking cap, brogans and shirt, c. 1870. The jacket is single breasted and trimmed with black tape. The classic Zouave loop on the jacket is made of black embroidery with a center of yellow. The vest is made of the same material as jacket with black taped trim. The trousers are red wool with a narrow gold stripe running down the edges. The sash is orange-red wool with rough red tassels at each end. The leggings are made of white canvas with twelve brass 4-hole buttons down each leg. The shoes are brogan-style with brass grommets in the lace holes. The stocking cap is knitted red wool. The white cotton shirt is the only piece from the set that appears to be of modern manufacture, a size 7, added to complete the uniform for display. In an accompanying letter from expert Les Jensen, he observes:
"The general materials and workmanship of the jacket, vest, and trousers (jodhpur or breeches pattern) indicate a late 19th-early 20th century production. The single machine made buttonhole confirms the late nineteenth century date. The Zouave craze lasted until late in the 19th century and even after, in military units, circuses, bands, plays, etc.The leggings have no diagnostic features that allow dating, though brass, stippled buttons do date from at least the 1870s. The side profile of the shoes, particularly the profile from the toe to the closure, suggest an 1870's-1880's date. They are very similar to U.S. Army shoes from that period. The sash and stocking cap are not further identifiable. While the jacket and vest clearly originated together, the other pieces may have been added over time. The remaining pieces appear to be added, though the leggings may be a part of the set. Some barely noticeable cattered soiling to the jacket, trousers, and leggings, but overall in very nice condition. The first such Zouave uniform we have offered.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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