"Image of French military mules, WAS" Topic

A detail from an engraving reproducing the painting of the Battle of Assietta link during the War of Austrian Succession by Hyacinthe de la Pegna link . A zoomable version of the whole painting is available here link ; full of 'authentic' looking details such as the ersatz gaiters of canvas.

Unfortunately it seems that the only images in full color available on the web are incomplete, showing only the upper right part with the death of the French commander the Chevalier de Belle-Isle link

As far as I know no manufacturer offers such gloriously decorated military mules (which according to a contemporary text link were 'punished' by being deprived of their bells and plumes if disobedient!). Of course they would look more 'warlike' without their eating bags!

Thanks to 'Ralphus'who posted the link to the engraving on the 'Wars of Louis XIV' blog link . I already knew this B&W image from "L'histoire universelle des armées', Laffont, 1966,

Thank you for sharing this; I had never seen these images until now.

It seems we have a crying need for mules such as that in all scales. The Golden Age of Wargaming has hit a bump in the road.

would be civilian mules, as there vwas no military train. under contract.

Thanks abdul666lw,that is absolutely wonderful info, the striped gaters will soon adorn a few units on various gaming tables, additional info on how the armies of the period functioned and looked are always welcome.
Cheers and thanks

@ Jcfrog At least in France contracted mules were a regular part of the army train. They were organized in équipages of 100 loaded beasts + 4 'haut le pied' unloaded, with a driver for 3 mules + some extra and 'cadre'. Drivers, just like those of the caissons and wagons were at least partly uniformed (fatigue cap & at least a 'peasant smock' of uniform color).

link