![[Ealge with Flag]](eagle1.gif)
| UNIFORMS
OF THE FRENCH ARMY IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The hat was a more usual tricorn, which was well on the way to becoming a bicorn, with the front raised high. It was laced in black; the cockade was white with a black loop fastened to a small regimental button. Plumes were abolished, but grenadiers (who did wear hats) had a red tuft as a distinction; fusiliers and chasseurs were to have plain hats. The waistcoat was white and of a conventional cut with sleeves, a small standing collar, pocket flaps and small regimental buttons. The collar and cuffs of the waistcoat were of the facing color if the regiment had coat lapels and cuffs of the facing color, waistcoat collar only if the facing was on the coat lapels only, and waistcoat cuffs only if the facing was on the coat cuffs only. The cloth belt was abolished. The breeches were white, and the long gaiters were of the conventional sort with garters -- each man had one pair made of white linen, one pair of blackened linen, and one pair black woolen cloth. The pokalem was as before but piping was only applied to the edge of the front turn-up. Officers wore the same uniform as their men but made of finer material with gilded or silvered buttons. Rank was distinguished by a complex system of epaulettes in gold and silver, with captains and subalterns having (in scarlet for the metropolitan army, in facing color for colonial troops) silk lines and diamonds on the straps. The sword knot for all officers was gold, mixed with silk of scarlet for the metropolitan army, facing color for colonial troops, for captains and subalterns. When on duty, officers wore a gilt gorget with a silver badge bearing the army of the King of France at the center.
[REFERENCES: The French Army in the American War of Independence. Men-At-Arms Series, #244. Reed International Books, Ltd., London, England. 1991. Color plate by Francis Back.] |
1 - Fusilier, Volontaires de Bourbon, 1779-1783 |
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First Page - French Army
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