"Did busbies and mirletons have chinstraps?" Topic

They seem to be quite awkward headgear, particularly for cavalry.

Almost always, plus a cord that ran from the headgear to an attachment-often on the rider's belting. In addition, there was a leather and felt head band "ring" that allowed for different sized heads and acted like a securing gasket, insuring a failrly tight fit. Noting the security cord, they probably still fell off with some frequency.

Awkward, but quite dashing! (fashions are often like that.)

I have never been so convinced as to the wisdom. Working on my Eclaireurs of the Imperial Guard, I traced the cap lines and cords used by troopers and by officers, to ensure they might be re-united with their head gear, if separated. Strikes me as a recipe for strangulation, or at least being dragged from your mount, in anywhere but the parade ground (which may be the point. Do we need to grow up a bit and accept that, on campaign, they looked like 2ist Century street beggars?)

You would think they would have to

The Royal Horse Artillery full dress busbys certainly do

link

Deadhead, to paraphrase The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance:

"This is wargaming, sir, when the legend becomes fact, print the legend!"

The legendary fact is that they always wore full dress, impeccably cleaned and pressed.

Shakos and busbies (colbacks) mostly had chinstraps. Those mirlitons I've seen in museums did not, so the cord passing under one arm to tie in with the jacket toggles did serve a purpose. For all I know, they may have had a simple band at the rear as well, passing under the queue to secure the headgear. This was the case for French cavalry bearskins for example, but would not show in a museum display.

Mine all have chinstrap and built in mouth piece as well.