"What's under the collar ?" Topic

Can anyone enlighten me as to what the French of the period wore under the uniform collar ? It always seems to be portrayed in black and forms a typical 'black v' when the collar is not fastened completely. I wondered whether it is the barbaric leather neck stock or simply a neckerchief to prevent the collar chaffing ? If it's the latter, could it therefore be painted in various colours, or did regulations stipulate black ? Thank's in advance

It is a neckstock from black linen, stiffened inside:

An original:

A reconstruction:

Seen from the back when closed:

A discussion in French, also about the buckles:

link

Thanks Oliver, that's great information. Never seen that before, wonderful detail.

Isn't it just? Marvellous thing about this forum. I imagine not just French then

In the field, many British units discarded the stock and wore a kerchief instead. Theoretically this would be black but on campaign other colours would be sure to be adopted. This would also apply to many other armies after some weeks in the field.

I looked at that buckle and thought, "Hmmm….choking hazard? OSHA won't be pleased."

Depends on how tight you buckle it.

I asked a leather craftsman to make me one of those once (for a reenactment uniform). He made it, but reacted a bit strange, and only later did it occur to me that he thought I was into some kind of weird S&M bondage scene.

@ Tuscaloosa; Been there done that! Great way to break the ice with chicks! "Would you mind lacing up my collar?" Mine was 4" high black leather with leather thong lacing. After 30 years it was pretty much stiff and molded to my throat.

Yeah I've worn a leather one while reenacting. Not too bad if you wear it over your shirt collar and don't buckle it too tight.