WWI French Colonial Marines Uniform

[itallianPith]

Hello,

I recently bought what I believe to be a french colonial marine uniform.

I am not really familiar with this collecting field but, I have taken a liking to it.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me a little bit more about the uniform or history of colonial marines because what i can find is very vague.

Any knowledge is appreciated

[itallianPith]

s

[itallianPith]

xs

[lew]

Indeed it is a uniform of the Troupes de Marine/Troupes Coloniale. It looks like WWI or later vintage, but my area of expertise is about forty years later. There is quite a bit of information out there (in English, too). They started as naval infantry and, around 1900, were transferred to Army command. The chevrons indicate a Sergent-Chef, or Chief Sergeant.

Prior to 1958, the Troupes de Marine were France's colonial army, as opposed to North African units and the Foreign Legion, which comprised the Armée d'Afrique, or those units stationed in Metropolitan France. Colonial units were recruited from France's Central and West African possessions (Régiments de Tirailleurs Sénégalais), Madagascar, Indochina, and other parts of the French Empire. It was these units which did most of the fighting throughout the Empire, and many would be called on in both World Wars.

[scotty1418]

Are there any interior markings or labels?