French Imperial Guard overcoat patterns 1857 and 1860

French imperial Guard overcoat, either 1857 or 1860 patterns. Exact replica of the only original extant specimen preserved in the Fontainebleau museum, and from the regulation descriptions and plates. Made of fine blue broadcloth, lined with linen, brass eagle buttons. The overcoat is in the so-called "à taille" style, i.e. with the skirts cut seperately from the body and a fitted waist. At the back there are two three-pointed flaps hiding access to the inside pockets. The later 1860 pattern has the additional waist small flap to help support the waistbelt intoduced in place of the crossed shoulder belts, and lower rounded collar with red patches, features which are absent in the earlier 1857 pattern.
Made in standard sizes and heights, or cut to measure (see measure form above).