"Descriptions of parts/components/elements of AWI uniforms " Topic

Greetings,

I am searching for a book (website) that I am having a hard time describing. What I don't need is another basic uniform guide. Of course I am open to suggestions to a book on continental army uniforms (Ha Ha). I hope I can make this clear. What I need is something that describes the parts/components/elements of the uniforms and equipment.

For example, I know that a Grenadier's hat if it is bear fur its a busby and if its metal its a miter. But what are the names of it components? Such as the cloth part on the back of the busby, tassels, etc. In addition, what the hell is a Brandenburg?

Maybe I'm a little OCD.

Thanx Chris

Well, you don't even have the stuff you think you have correct. :-)

1) A bearskin is NOT a busby. The name busby is a 19th Century term for small fur caps worn by hussars and, still used today for the headgear of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, The Rifles, and some cavalry regiments.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busby

A bearskin cap was called just that, although grenadiers would simply refer to them as caps. A mitre was made of cloth with stiffeners inside, and could be with, or without, a metal front plate. From about 1778-79, British grenadiers put their caps into storage and only wore plain hats (with a white feather) on campaign. I don't think the British had a name for the red patch on the upper back of the cap; in France it was known as the "cul-de-singe" (I'll let you look that one up!).

2) A "brandenburg" in this period was usually a piece of lace that protected a buttonhole and had a tassel on the end. Look out the uniform of the Volunteers of Ireland and you'll see them on the unit's lapels.

3) This is a nice book about the Continental soldier that was published around the time of the Bicentenniel:-

link

Slightly old-fashioned in that it is largely illustrated by line drawings, nevertheless, it covers a lot of stuff and is well worth investing in for exactly what you want.

Good question, but off the top of my head, no book is coming to mind. Maybe we can help you here.

Grenadier caps are not busbies, they are caps. Same for the Light infantry cap. The cords on the cap are just that. A Brandenburg is a completely different cap – something like the Volunteers of Ireland wore. Rare.

Good question. Off the top of my head I can't think of the type of book you are looking for.

I've seen some other picture type of books about the war in books shops, but not one that covers both sides.

This might help too:

gggodwin.com

Thanx for the input. Sorry about the busby thing. Yes I do know that miters are not all metal. The book of Continual solider will be a good start for me as I believe I have a copy in storage. Thanx for the " brandenburg" info. Thanx for the Godwin link didn't think to check out suttlers might be something to explore. It seems that much of what I think of as general information may no be what I think it is.
Thanx again Chris

I suspect there is a disconnect between the basic info you are looking for and the much more detailed information researchers look for. Interesting though, you may have identified a basic uniform book missing in the market.

I think what I want is to know the names of the parts that make up the whole of an individual item ( or uniform) such as my hat example . A musket or sword is made up of parts. stock, barrel, blade, pummel, etc. Why not the elements that make up the uniform and accouterments? Seem to be touching on the research end of things. Not my forte. As I said above i am having a hard time communicating exactly what I searching for.
On another point there is some disagreement on the description of things. Risking posting another poor example There tends to be whole discussions about Button tape. if it is lace or tape,? is it bastion or scalloped?…. It tends to confuse things a bit.

link

This may offer some of the information you are looking for, but probably goes into much more detail on the specifics of uniforms than you are looking for.

A costumer's handbook might be a resource for the different parts of garments. You could also try reinactor websites.

Thanx I have that on my wish list.

It is called lace. The British lace often had intricate patterns unique to each regiment. It was usually rectangular or bastion loop (rarer). The lace designs were much more intricate during the F&I period than Rev War and there are some indications that during portions of the war the lace was removed from coats.

The hats were cocked, not tricornes (F&I/SYW), though round hats and round about jackets were also worn.

If you have specific questions about something ask here. :-)

Thanx Again. Looks like a new research project in the making. C

You may also want to consider Don Troiani and James Kochan's book

link

It features numerous color photographs from Troiani's collection of American Revolution memorabilia, so you get an excellent visual presentation of the item.

There is also a series of uniform handbooks meant for re-enactors called "Sketchbook 56." Some are listed on Amazon. Their focus is primarily on the French and Indian War period, but there is cross-coverage to your later period of interest. I have Vol. IV, which covers the Spanish Colonial Era Infantry 1739-1781. They would have all the detail you need.

Rick

I have a few questions/clarifications about Hesse Cassel uniforms.

Pom Poms: Sources agree that Musketeer pom poms are the color of the regiment's facing. Are the grenadier companies pom poms treated the same as musketeers. Many of the depictions of grenadier show white or buff pom poms. The 1783-84 prints of HC troops show some of the grenadiers with pompoms of colors not white/buff or matching their facing colors.

Sargent's pom poms were white or white with black? Is this the same for grenadiers?

"Regimental Metal"

Each unit buttons were either Pewter/sliver or Brass/gold. Were the sergeants's and officer's hat lace match the "regimental metal"?

Did the cypher on the cartridge box match "regimental metal" or was it always one color?

Neck stocks, red or black?

Miter cloth: Was it the same as the regimental facing of were their variants as depicted in the 1783-84 plates?

Sources. Katcher, Mollo, Smith Troiani, von Donop website, various websites, Fat Wally's most excellent paint miniatures.

Thanx C