Circa 1865 Uniform of the Papal Zouaves

The uniform is comprised of a dark gray wool jacket, vest, and trousers, all with red trim, piping, and embellishments. The uniform is quite clean, showing a few subtle spots, minor tracking, and a few small scattered holes that are not particularly noticeable or at all distracting. The interiors of the jacket and the vest exhibit soiling from wear and use, but overall the uniform is in excellent condition and it makes a very impressive appearance. The Papal Zouaves were an infantry regiment dedicated to defending the Papal States and who volunteered to assist Pope Pius IX in his struggle against the Italian unification forces of the Risorgimento. The unit existed from 1860 to 1870, and performed courageously at the Battle of Mentana in 1867.