Officers Uniform.
The Officers of La Garde, their Uniform and Equipment
The Officers of La Garde, their Uniform and Equipment
| All Old Guard officers and Captains and above of the Young Guard companies wore the Bonnet a Poil . This was of identical pattern to those of the cannoniers of the Old Guard companies, though the visor may have been bound in gilt brass. The cords, tassels and back-patch were all in gold bullion, which cost 26,50f. A bonnet with cords cost complete 45,50f. All officers up to the rank of Chef de Battalion wore red plumet, Chef de Bataillion 50/50 red and white, and Major all white. Officer's plumes were to be from vulture feathers and measure some 56cm tall. The Major’s plume was to be made from heron feathers. The bonnet could cost between 45,50f and 120f depending on quality and depth of the officers purse. Staff Officers wore white plumes with a red tip. All Old Guard Officers wore a gold aiguillete on their right shoulder. Officers of the Young Guard may have retained the Old Guard uniforms, as was custom at least for the infantry regiments of the Young Guard.
On campaign the encumbering bonnet or shako could be placed in the baggage train and a chapeau was worn. This was worn with a surtout, a single breasted coat closing to the waist with 7 to 9 buttons. The full dress uniform coat was like the Grenadiers a Pied of the Guard, but in blue, with scarlet facings and piping. |
Old Guard company officer wearing mounted full dress worn on parades. Old Guard company officer wearing mounted undress unifcorm, worn on campaigns, accompanied by two Grenadier a Cheval, also depicted by La Garde Imperiale. |
