Rare WW1 French 66th Infantry Regiment M1897 Other Ranks Tunic As Worn August 1914

A very rare example of the M1897 tunic with original collar tabs of the 66th Infantry Regiment . These prewar tunics were originally intended for walking out dress however were worn in the field by NCOs ( Here a sergeant ) & were also issued to reserve regiments who had not been issued with jackets due to limited supply upon the advent of war. There is a bayonet frog loop on the left side with false pockets & scalloped flaps to rear decorated with six uniform buttons. Gold chevron denotes rank of sergeant & marksman to left sleeve. The 66th Infantry regiment were garrisoned in Tours in 1914 & formed the 35th Infantry Brigade with the 32nd Infantry Regiment . They saw much combat during WW1 including Ypres - Artois 1914/15 , Verdun-L'Aisne 1916/17 , Metz 1918 & The Marne 1918. The regiment suffered its first gas attack at the second Battle of Ypres .