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Lot Essay
The soubreveste was part of the uniform for all ranks of the Cent-Gardes on their formation in 1854. It was worn at one reception at the Tuilleries palace, but was discontinued immediately thereafter on the Emperor's orders.
Antoine Balasc, the owner of this uniform, enlisted in the 3rd Cuirassiers in 1846, and transferred to the Cent-Gardes in June 1854, losing some seniority by so doing. He served with Cent-Gardes in the Italian campaign of 1859, and finally retired through ill-health in 1864, at the age of 38.
Antoine Balasc, the owner of this uniform, enlisted in the 3rd Cuirassiers in 1846, and transferred to the Cent-Gardes in June 1854, losing some seniority by so doing. He served with Cent-Gardes in the Italian campaign of 1859, and finally retired through ill-health in 1864, at the age of 38.