Page 187 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare
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▼ PARADE SHAKO Made of felt or sometimes board with a leather ◀ FUSILIER’S
Date 1806 peak, the top of the shako was treated to make it WAISTCOAT
waterproof. When on parade, troops attached
Origin France cords to them—white for fusiliers, red for Date c.1810
Material Felt, leather grenadiers, and yellow for voltigeurs. Origin France
Material Leather FRENCH REV
Sleeveless cut Waistcoats—also known
allowed freer as undercoats—came in
movement a range of colors and
materials. Fusiliers often
wore white. On hot days,
White cords for
fusilier companies soldiers sometimes took
off their coats and fought
in waistcoats. OLUTIONAR
Corporal’s Rolled-up Y
stripes greatcoat
Leather straps were
whitened with clay
White lapels often
treated with pipe clay AND NAPOLEONIC INF
Y
Regulation ANTR
red cuff with ▲ SOLDIER’S PACK
dark blue flap Date c.1810
Origin France
Material Leather Buttons for
Buttons on fastening
pockets The soldier’s compact knapsack over uniform
was used for storing extra clothing
and bread rations. Held securely
in position by its shoulder straps,
the top of the pack also featured
stowage points for carrying the
soldier’s greatcoat.
▶ FUSILIER’S COAT Leather covering
Date c.1810 kept lower legs dry
Three buttons
Origin France at the cuff ▶ FUSILIER’S GAITERS
Material Wool, linen
Date c.1810
A fusilier in Napoleon’s army Origin France
wore a coat (habit à la française) Material Leather
that was dark blue with red collar
and cuffs, together with cream Gaiters kept dirt and stones
trim and lining. The fusilier would out of the soldier’s shoes, which
normally also wear a white cross often did not fit very well. French
belt and white trousers. Dust, military gaiters were often made
mud, rain, or blood often changed Cream trim long, to be worn over the knee,
the color of a uniform when it but soldiers cut them down to
was worn on campaign. wear them below the knee.

