French Second Empire, Garde Imperiale, Chasseuer a' Cheval Dolman
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $995.00

Original period manufacture. Now here is a rarity, an original Dolman, or short jacket, worn by an NCO of a light cavalry unit known as Chasseuers a' Cheval, literally, mounted hunter, of Napoleon III's Imperial Guard. They were a Hussar-like unit used for scouting and screening operations.  This elaborate, 144 year old tunic, (Napoleon III abdicated in 1870 after his defeat and capture at Sedan) is in remarkably good condition for its age, missing only one Imperial eagle marked bullet button. All of the ornate lacing and trim is intact, although some needs to be tacked down a bit here and there. At some point in its life the lining was removed. This was probably done by a costume company in order for the Dolman to fit a larger indivdual. The tunic is very sound for display but in a small size.