Page 186 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

184 FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY ▼ INFANTRYMAN’S SHAKO The shako replaced the earlier bicorn

ONET 1680–1815 AND NAPOLEONIC INFANTRY Origin France this shako, the front plate bears the
hat of the French infantry in 1806. On
Date 1806
imperial eagle and the regimental
Material Felt, leather
number, as well as a tricolor cockade.
Infantrymen in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
fought mainly with smoothbore flintlock muskets and bayonets, and
most of them also carried a sword. Their white trousers and coat were
Red collar
complemented by a “shako,” or hat, complete with regimental badge
matches cuffs
alongside grenadiers—the senior infantry regiment, who were
particularly well kitted out—and, after 1805, voltigeurs (shorter
Y and pompom. The infantry comprised fusilier companies fighting
soldiers who specialized in skirmishing and scouting). The troops
AND BA discipline, courage, and devotion, but also for their ornate uniforms.
of Napoleon’s “Grande Armée” were celebrated not only for their

FLINTLOCK ◀ GRENADIER OFFICER’S
Blue collar

COAT
Date c.1810
Origin France
Material Wool, linen
This coat was worn by an officer in Chinstrap
the Grenadier infantry in Napoleon’s
Imperial Guard. French soldiers
referred to the Imperial Guard as
“the Immortals.” They had better
equipment, rank, and quarters than
their counterparts in the main army.

▶ NAPOLEONIC The Napoleonic
INFANTRY UNIFORM infantryman wore a
Date c.1810 dark blue tunic with white
facings and a red collar, and
Origin France cuffs. The loose-fitting white
Material Wool, linen trousers were worn over
knee breeches. This uniform
has corporal’s stripes.
White flap on red cuff

▼ NAPOLEONIC The infantryman’s hanger,
INFANTRY SWORD known as a “briquet,” had a
Date c.1800 simple, one-piece brass hilt
and a curved steel blade.
Origin France It was also issued to sailors.
Weight 31 ⁄4oz (900g)
3
Length 29in (74cm)

Knuckle guard ▼ CHARLEVILLE The Modèle 1777 was one of a
MODÈLE 1777 series of modifications to the French
Date 1777 Charleville smoothbore flintlock musket,
so-called because many were made
Origin France at the Charleville armory. This
Weight 10lb (4.5kg) model was used by the infantry in
3
Barrel 3 ⁄4ft (1.13m) the Revolutionary Wars. Infantrymen
were expected to be able to fire three
Cock Caliber 17.5mm
volleys a minute with this weapon.

Socket
bayonet