"Prussian Garrison Regiments question" Topic

The Osprey on Frederick's infantry says the Garrison regiments did not normally carry swords (though presumably officers and NCOs had them), Kronoskaff says they had the usual curved sabre.
Any definite comments either way?

I have been looking at Engleman and Dorn, and none of the Garrison regiment pictures show the men with swords. The earlier mass of the book shows men of each Guard, musketeer and fusilier regiment – all with swords. There are no garrison grenadiers pictured, and these may have carried swords.

GdeP

Dorn and Englemann in their book, "The Infantry Regiments of Frederick the Great 1756-1763" does not show them. This is my "go-to" book on the SYW Prussian Infantry.

A most reliable source is Curt Jany. "Geschichte der Preußischen Armee"
He notes the rank and file had no sidearms. Just bayonets. NCO's and drummers did. The men also had no sidearm slings which served as company distinction. As a result, the tassels looming out of the hats side was used for this purpose.

Thanks guys that confirms the impression I had, and had hoped was so (it makes them a bit more distinct from the line regiments).

Garrison regts pose all kinds of questions. I've had some of my own. I'm glad yours was so easily sorted.

The point that grenadiers might be different from musketeer companies is a good one – they had different uniforms for sure (e.g. they were issued with white breeches and waistcoats whilst the musketeers had blue).

Just to confirm what Rogge mentioned – The rare contemporary source is the Uniform Fibel published by Raspe in 1759. The color prints show the Garrison musketeer regiments with only bayonet scabbards.
Be careful with Engleman/Dorn as a source.

Thanks for noting this mistake in Kronoskaf. After confirming from various sources, I updated the articles on Prussian Garrison Rgts accordingly.

Richard C.