[~40's] French Army Cavalier Leather Vest

Estimated to be around the 40sThis is the French military's "Cavalier Leather Vest."

The Armée française is a regular army of the Republic of France, and consists mainly of the Armée de Terre, the Navy, the Air Force and the Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace), and the Gendarmerie nationale.

Among these, the narrowest meaning of the "Armée de Terre" has the oldest tradition, and its origins can be traced back to the medieval Cape dynasty, but the modern system of national military was established after the French Revolution (1789).

In World War I, the French army fought as the main force of the Allied powers, contributing to victory despite the great sacrifices.
In the following World War II, he was defeated in a blitz by the German army in 1940, and under the Vichy administration some forces were placed under German control, while the "Furces françaises libres" operated with the Allies under the leadership of Charles de Gaulle.

After World War II, the Fourth Republic was established in 1946, and the French army was reorganized and served in the colonial wars (such as the Indochina War and the Algerian War).
That experience also affected military doctrines during the Cold War.

The current French military remains a major international security force through the framework of the European Union, NATO and the United Nations, and is engaged in global military action, particularly through its foreign campaigns, centering on counterterrorism operations (Operation Balkan) in the Sahel region and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

We would like to introduce the "Cavalier Leather Vest", which was provided and worn by the French army by the cavalry.

Cavalier means "jockey" in French, and in military context it refers to cavalry.

Cavalerie in the French Army originated from the kingdom's permanent cavalry company (compagnies d'ordonnance), which was founded in 1445, and has developed into a military division with the aim of "moving" and "surprise attacks."

During the Napoleon era, systems such as heavy cavalry (carabinier), light cavalry (Hussard Chevoux-Leger-Lencier/Chasour-a-Cheval), and dragoons (dragons) were developed, and were the key to the battle, from reconnaissance, flanking and pursuits to decisive charges.
This organization and clarification of the role was what made the French cavalry stand out as one of Europe's greatest mobility and strike forces.

In the 20th century, the shift to "mechanized cavalry" progressed, and during the interwar period to World War II, it was equipped with armored forces such as the cavalry division (DLM) and the "cavalry tank" SOMUA S35.
Cavalry shifted its main force from horses to wheeled/tracked mobile combat vehicles, and was redefined as a military division that could combine mobile reconnaissance and strike.

After World War II, it was reorganized as the Armored Troops (Arme blindée cavalerie) and is still considered to be the core of the French Army's mobility, reconnaissance and advance-spite blows.

"Cavalier Leather Vest" is also attractive for its historical background.
While reminiscent of the "Jerkin Leather Vest", which is believed to be British origin, this is a very excellent piece from a modern perspective, with a distinctive personality that can actually be said to be completely different.

The neck is a no-collar, full of arcs.
Since there is no protruding collar, there is a high degree of freedom in layering, and it fits in perfectly from shirts to knits and sweatshirts.

The front is a classic configuration with seven buttons densely placed on the front.
It creates a visual vertical rhythm, and is neatly determined whether closed or opened.

The biggest difference is the length.

Compared to Jerkin, it is intentionally designed to be shorter and holds in a balanced position at the waist, so just by putting it on from above, you can adjust the proportion of your entire body.
It is not bulky when used as an inner vest or under an outerwear or coat, and is a great layered supporting character that combines appearance and practicality.

The fabric is probably made of "Cow Leather."

Cow leather is leather made from cows that have been over two years old.
It is particularly strong and durable among leathers, and is highly abrasion resistant than other animal leathers.

The surface has a firm texture and is moderately hard, but the softer and unique luster become more woven as you use it.
The robustness of cow leather can withstand years of use and will age beautifully depending on maintenance.

There is no need to worry that the leather is hard.
It already has a soft, sticking to your body, and is in immediate condition that will fit in from the first day of wearing it.

The lining is made of wool.

The structure ensures good heat retention, and combines the leather's wind-proof properties to prevent body temperature from escaping.
Despite its sharp appearance, it is also unparalleled practicality during the fall and winter seasons.

Although the size indication cannot be confirmed, I think it falls under the "M" size for Japanese sizes.

Looking at the actual measurements, it is a golden size that suits the Japanese body type, so I think it can be worn by a wide range of people with a wide range of body types.
It looks great whether you wear it in the perfect size or the oversized size.

There are signs of wear such as fading, dirt, scuffing, small holes, button replacement, missing buttons, cracking, peeling, etc., but there is no major damage that may cause problems with wearing it, so I think you can still wear it.

"Cavalier Leather Vest" is similar to the jerkin leather vest worn in various European countries.

Unique design for cavalry specifications. The current number is extremely limited.

This is a perfect piece not only as the core of your wardrobe, but also as a collection piece.
This is a rare item that is rarely available at our shop, so if you are looking for it, don't miss this opportunity.