A First War CEF Captain's Tunic

A First War CEF Captain's Tunic - This tunic is fabricated from a greenish-brown wool and is adorned on the shoulders with three pips and CANADA silver bullion flashes on each shoulder strap, indicating the rank of Captain, held in place by small brass Canada Militia buttons. Each of the buttons on the tunic are maker marked "FIRMIN & SONS LONDON". The collars have 28.5 mm x 29.3 mm bronze General Service collar tabs affixed by lugs and pins on their undersides. The front has four pockets, one on each breast, which have decorative straps giving them a pleated-look, with small brass Canada Militia buttons sewn on each, while the lower pockets on either side are larger and deeper and are without pleats. Each of the four pockets have a fold over flap with reinforced button holes. There is a ribbon bar displaying the ribbons of the British War Medal and the Victory Medal sewn in place above the left breast pocket. The front is completed by a vertical row of four large brass Canada Militia buttons on the right side, facing an equal number of reinforced button holes on the left. There are brass clips sewn in place on either side at the waist to support the belt, which has been lost to time and is not included here. In addition, there is a four blue Service Chevrons patch sewn on the right forearm, awarded for overseas service, the first chevron dated from the day the soldier left Canada, with the three additional chevrons representing additional twelve month periods of service. The rear of the tunic is single-vented. The inside of the tunic is lined in light green wool, with white cotton in the sleeves. Each armpit is adorned with an olive green patch, plus a strap at the collar for hanging the tunic on a hook. The inside lapel on the left side has a small cotton-lined pocket with a button loop above, with the "MOSS BROS & Co Ltd, 20 & 21 KING ST., 25, 31 & 32 BEDFORD ST., COVENT GARDEN" maker label sewn upside down inside the pocket. There is also another small button down pocket below at the waist on the left side. The tunic measures 480 mm across the shoulders and 840 mm in length overall. There is separation in the stitching in the seams in the right armpit and in the tail just above the vent. The Service Chevrons exhibit scattered fabric loss, light soiling in the armpits and inside the cuffs, with mothing present overall, especially at the bottom of the two breast pockets. It displays a nice texture in the wool and quality workmanship. A fine WWI collectible, better than very fine.