PAIR OF CAPTAIN'S EPAULETTES FROM THE 54th INFANTRY REGIMENT, Second Empire. 29186-2

PAIR OF CAPTAIN'S EPAULETS OF THE 54th INFANTRY REGIMENT, Second Empire. 29186-2

In gilded silver passementerie with soft fringes known as "pit cords," buttons stamped with the number "54," lined with dark blue, almost black cloth.

Natural wood transport box.

France.
Second Empire.
Good condition.

HISTORY:
Second Empire

February 1853: landing at Arzew as part of the conquest of Algeria.
1853-1857: It took part in numerous columns, until the spring of 1857 when it was designated to participate in the Kabylie campaign and distinguished itself at the Battle of Icheriden.
1857: In October, it returned to mainland France; from 1857 to 1870, it frequently changed garrisons.

By decree of May 2, 1859, the 54th Infantry Regiment provided 1 company to form the 101st Line Infantry Regiment.
When the war broke out, it was in Condé, Cambrai, and Maubeuge. The 54th is called to be part of the 4th Corps, forming in Thionville, and does not participate in the initial battles. The 4th Corps retreats under Metz and takes part in the Battle of Saint-Privat. The 54th holds all day in front of Amanvillers under the fire of artillery and infantry. On that single day of August 18, 1870, the regiment lost 25 officers killed or wounded, including the colonel and lieutenant colonel, and 557 non-commissioned officers and soldiers. It is then the investment of Metz, followed by the capitulation that hands over the French Army to the enemy. The 54th is interned in Magdeburg. It is repatriated once peace is signed. On July 13, 1871, the last prisoners arrive at La Roche-sur-Yon, at the regiment's depot.
On August 16, 1870, the 4th battalion, mostly made up of newcomers, leaves the depot to create the 9th March Regiment, which will form the 1st brigade of the 2nd division of the 13th army corps.

From 1871 to 1914
On March 27, 1871, elements of the regiment returning from captivity are amalgamated with elements from other units to form the 1st Provisional Infantry Regiment.
In September 1871, the 54th Line Infantry Regiment merges with the 54th March Regiment.
In October 1873, the regiment's depot is moved from La Roche-sur-Yon to Compiègne. The Headquarters and battalions are stationed in various garrisons: Paris, Montmédy, Stenay, Verdun, Saint-Mihiel, Sedan.
In 1886, a battalion of the 54th is detached to Ham and remains there on rotation until September 1913 when the regiment, no longer belonging to the 4th division (7th brigade), moves from the 2nd to the 6th army corps, then becoming part of the 12th division (23rd brigade). At that time, the 1st battalion and a portion of the 2nd are detached to Épernay and the forts of Reims.
In January 1914, the regiment is fully present in Compiègne.