French Grenadiers of the 63eme Regiment
Dated: February 29, 2008.
Hello:
Enclosed are some pictures with French grenadiers test shots.....
Grenadiers from the 63-rd regiment. Looming tall in their bearskin caps, plumed and epauletted in flaming scarlet, infantry sabres (briquets) at their sides, they were the epitome of martial pride.
Black bearskin headgear emblazoned with a brass cap plate bearing flaming grenade, red cord and flounders. Only few regiments bear the red cords, the regulation was white. Scarlet plume inserted in a tricolour cockade. Blue-scarlet checkered crown (also not the regulation - only scarlet was allowed) with white cross.
Have a nice day, from Slovakia
Peter Styk
The sergeant (so identified by the gold half-chevron on each forearm and the gold threads mingled in his epaulet fringe and in his cord) carries his company guidon (fanion), a small flag on a short soft-wood staff that fits smoothly into his musket barrel. These were useful in aligning troops in formations, marking company areas and adding extra color to reviews. Each regiment had it own patterns.
Officially, drummers were to wear the same uniform as other soldiers of their unit, being distinguished only by bands of yellow, white or tricolored lace on their collars, cuffs and lapels. During the leaner years from 1800 to 1805 this regulation was more-or-less observed in many regiments, but thereafter it was increasingly ignored, this colour combination was one of the most distinctive styles. This grenadier drummer wore the drummer´s „apron" (from leather), worn to protect the left leg from the chafing of the heavy drum. French drum shells were of brass-heavier than wooden drums, but with fine, sonorous tones.
Officer wore the plain undress coat as practical campaign clothing. Dark blue collar for grenadiers, red for fusiliers and yellow for voltigeur officers. His epaulet straps have insignia of his grade in form of two red stripes. This is a summer outfit with white vest and easy-to-smudge white breeches. In winter, they wore dark blue ones.
Many thanks to Mr. Peter Styk.