"What's with the moustaches?" Topic
11 Posts
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grommet37 | 19 Jan 2015 3:25 p.m. PST |
I notice that a proper moustache was considered regulation for some forces, so much so that one must be drawn on if one can't grown one. However, it seems as if the rankers and the troopers, and such officers (and nobility) that were career military men were expected to have them, whereas courtiers, ministers, kings and the nobility of the administration often did not. Also, it seems a somewhat Continental tradition, and of course, farther east, even the kings had the "warrior's moustache" of ancient times. I know that Novelty Facial Hair of the Military Sort was popular for the preceding thousand years, at least, but I hadn't realized the tradition was still so strong in the age of the powdered wig and philosopher-king. |
Westmarcher | 19 Jan 2015 3:48 p.m. PST |
It is curious except that fashion is fashion, whatever age you look at, I suppose. As far as infantry regimental officers (and above) are concerned, in the SYW Prussian and Austrian armies (except Hungarians), I understand that they were clean shaven. I've also read that moustaches were compulsory for Prussian grenadiers (suggesting they might not be for musketeers and fusiliers?) to make them look more ferocious. |
21eRegt | 19 Jan 2015 4:15 p.m. PST |
Right, no "gentleman" wants to look ferocious, so officers and courtiers would be clean shaven for the most part. |
spontoon | 19 Jan 2015 4:47 p.m. PST |
I've often maintained that the British Army's superior firepower and speed of volleys was because they were ALL cleanshaven. After 30 seasons of re-enacting I can avow that grabbing a handful of moustache when biting open the cartridge for your flintlock can render one hors d'combat! |
ColCampbell | 19 Jan 2015 7:33 p.m. PST |
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mandt2 | 19 Jan 2015 10:53 p.m. PST |
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wrgmr1 | 19 Jan 2015 11:06 p.m. PST |
I agree with ColCampbell, well said! |
Tabletopndice | 20 Jan 2015 10:07 a.m. PST |
I agree with Spontoon, a fistful of moustache makes an enemy bayonet look like peanuts. |
Dave Crowell | 20 Jan 2015 7:40 p.m. PST |
Real fun is having burning sparks caught in your beard… |
spontoon | 21 Jan 2015 5:42 p.m. PST |
Been there, done that. Also in sideburns, moustache, hair, skin, etc. Got a couple of permanent black spots too! |
huevans011 | 21 Jan 2015 6:51 p.m. PST |
I've often maintained that the British Army's superior firepower and speed of volleys was because they were ALL cleanshaven. The British realized early on that the more of their ugly faces they showed, the more they could scare the bejeezus out of their whiskery Continental opponents… |
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