Revolutionary Wars French in Casquet.

[FreddBloggs]

For a project I am not doing, anyone know when they left service, I know early on the ex-royal regiments had them, and there are pics and things saying they survived to be worn with blue coats as well, but anyone know when they went out of use more effectively.

In the project I am not doing, the idea of a demi-brigade with one white coated casquet to 2 bicorne bluecoats has a certain appeal.

[grizzlymc]

Was this a sort of Tarleton?

[FreddBloggs]

Yes.

[grizzlymc]

Fetching! I like the mix.

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

Sho Boki is definitely the go-to guy for this in 15mm.

[FreddBloggs]

In the project I am not doing, Sho Boki would be the theoretical supplier of these, if I found I could use them.

[Penda]

This is from the Eureka Miniatures website -
The casque was issued to replace the bicorne (or more accurately – the flat fronted tricorne) worn by the regular French infantry regiments prior to 1791, and it appears to have been distributed with remarkable efficiency by the standards of the Revolutionary government. So although it is possible some regiments never received them, many of the regular army’s infantry none-the-less went to war wearing the distinctive new helmet in 1792, and they continued to be steadily issued during 1793. Made of reinforced leather, with a front to back fur crest, the casque featured a tricolour cockade and a short plume (the latter often removed) on the right side, and a head band of cloth painted to imitate leopard skin wrapped around the skullcap. The quality of manufacture however varied somewhat and ‘economy’ versions of the casque were issued with imitation fur crests that could be as crude as a rough fabric sausage stuffed with straw or similar material. Although it offered better protection than a soft hat, the casque was generally not popular, being heavier and uncomfortable to wear in hot weather, and a common complaint was they began to smell after prolonged exposure to rain and the elements. In 1796 one regiment was so disgusted with their casques they all formally marched down to the Rhine at Strasbourg and threw their casques into the river in a mass demonstration. Each man then bought a replacement bicorne - paid for out of their own pocket.

[grizzlymc]

Thjere you go, shame you aren't doing the period really.

[FreddBloggs]

Thank you Penda.

[levied troop]

I feel guilty that he’s not doing this period