French Armée de l'Air Adjudant-Chef Tunic

A good original example with gold bullion wing badge to the chest indicating the original owner was a 'Flying Mechanic' which we understand in RAF terms would be a Flight Engineer. Below on the right breast pocket is a corresponding metal trade badge that picks up the same trade motif ;this could be a later addition. The cloth shows signs of service wear but is generally in very good condition and retains the dark navy blue colour characteristic of French Air Force uniforms. Rank bars are sewn to the shoulders and arms. Theses indicate the tunic is badged to a senior NCO with the rank of 'Adjudant-Chef', the senior of the two Warrant officer grades in the Armée de l'Air, with the rank indicated by a gold ribbon with a middle stripe of red; the junior grade of warrant officer carried a silver ribbon with a red stripe. Standard brass buttons are fitted with the Air Force logo and maker marked A. M & Cie Paris.

Inside is equally clean with no damage to the lining. The tunic carries a cloth badge with a name hand written 'Goudel Jacques Gerhas' which we believe would be the original owner rather than the manufacturer. We can not find any other identifying marks and as it is not dated our best guess is it probably originated in the late 1940's or 1950's but we stand to be corrected by all you French Armée de l'Air experts! No sizing is shown but we estimate it would be a good fit on a chest size of 39"-41" (99 cm -103 cm) An unusual tunic not often seen this side of the English Channel and seeing it is modestly priced would be a welcome addition to a collection but seeing the condition it would also suit a reenactor or something completely different for a fancy dress party.

Please also see the two period French visor caps we also currently have listed elsewhere in the 'Aeronautical, Headgear Other' section.