WWI AEF Captain's Tunic

WWI AEF Captain's Tunic - This olive green wool tunic is adorned on the shoulders with shoulder straps, each held in place by a small bronze Army button and displaying bronze Captain's rank insignias. The front has four pockets, one on each breast, flared at the bottom, each bearing the Army eagle insignia button on the front, French-made and maker marked "MAURICE BOURDON PARIS" on the reverse, as are all the bronze buttons on the uniform. The lower pockets on either side are deeper and wider, again, flared at the bottom and are also buttoned. Each of the four pockets have a foldover flap with reinforced buttonholes. The front is completed by a vertical row of five large bronze buttons on the right side, facing an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. The buttons have become detached from their original threading and are currently held in place by safety pins. In addition, there is a single light brown officer's stripe on each cuff. The stiff "choker-style" collar has three hook and eye closures, ensuring a snug fit at the neck, with five studs in place, spaced at equidistant intervals on the inside for placement of a dress collar and is devoid of collar tabs. The inside of the tunic is lined in cotton and features a pocket on the left lapel. The inside of the collar exhibits staining and wear in the fabric, exposing the underlying reinforcing leather strip, with additional staining in the armpits, stitching separation evident in the right armpit and around the main reinforced buttonholes on the front, plus scattered interruptions in the fabric throughout. The tunic exhibits a nice texture in the wool, quality workmanship and is relatively clean. A fine First World War collectible, in fine condition.