British Tunic 1903 Manufacture. Real? Or something else...

[garynyc]

Hi all; 

 

I came upon this at an estate sale in Long Island, New York USA. I doubt that it's truly what it purports to be, and the coat was made in 1903. Can anyone shed light as to its authenticity? I bought spears, shields and a fighting knife, supposedly Zulu, from the same era at the sale. Even if the items don't date to the era, I will enjoy them. Here is the tunic for your perusal. 

 

Thank you

 

Gary

[QSAMIKE]

Looks  like an original tunic that has been modified to make a reenactor's tunic......

It is to bad that it has been ruined in my opinion.....

Mike

 

 

[garynyc]

Oh I see. Yes there is some poor work with the piping lol.

[peter monahan]

Yes, its been messed with but the garment looks - from the few shots available - as if it could be original.

[garynyc]

Thank you Peter. Much appreciated.

Edited December 14, 2015 by garynyc

[Chris Boonzaier]

I think there have been some major alterations?

[garynyc]

Indeed Chris--the former owner had a major gallery in his home devoted to the Zulu wars...unfortunately the letters of authenticity on many of the pieces were stolen at the estate sale. The owner passed away in 2007, but I believe the tunic to be from 1903, the date on the tag, with all the alterations made for reenactment or just for display.

 

Thanks Chris!

[peter monahan]

Not imporbable, given the provenance, that an original tunic was modified for a tattoo, theatricals or just display.  Frankly, for a tattoo or even re-enactor I'd have expected better workmanship, but I suspect that's what this is.

[garynyc]

Yes Peter the added work is quite poor. My roommate is a fashion designer here in Manhattan, and he was kind of offended lol.

[peter monahan]

Me too!  I made all my early re-enacting tunics [Napoleonic period] and a fair bit of period clothing and would be embarrassed to be seen on the field next to someone wearing that, never mind wearing it myself!  

Edited December 19, 2015 by peter monahan

[garynyc]

LOL!