French Imperial Guard Foot Artillery Uniforms at Wagram

[rock1947a]

I'm beginnig research for a small diorama of a French Imperal Guard Foot Artillery 8 or 12 lb gun in action at Wagram. I have the excellent Nemrod 54mm gun crew figures, but need to confirm some of the uniform details.

Although I've seen numerous descriptions and artwork about the Guard Foot Artillery at the July 1809 battle of Wagram, I can't find definite information whether the artillerists would have worn the white summer gaitors, white, blue, or gray trousers, or possibly if some could have worn black winter gaitors. Also, would they have been wearing the red shako plume and cords when serving the guns in the Grand Battery? In other words, did the gunners wear full dress, campaign dress, or a combination?

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your interest.

 

[Jim Patrick]

Peter, have you tried this book?

http://www.planetfigure.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36722

L. Rousselot is THE source for anything French Napoleonic. Nevermind the price. GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!

Amazon's website where this book is listed:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Napoleon%27s+Army+1790-1815&x=16&y=19

Jim Patrick

EDIT- Only 7 are remaining in stock. Get this book while you still can!!!!!!!!

EDIT x2- There is also this book by F. G. Hourtoulle, Wagram, The Heyday of the Empire: http://www.amazon.com/WAGRAM-Heyday...9746/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319829907&sr=8-1

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

I think it would be fair to say that campaign dress would have been worn
in any battle of the time, full dress uniforms would have been expensive and saved for parades, as some one who works out side in all weathers and goes out to work each morning spotless and comes home manky each night, a full dress uniform would not last long, so no plumes ,and possibly oil skin or canvas
covers for shako's and bearskins. and black gaiters likewise.

Ron

 

[rock1947a]

Hi Jim. Thanks for the suggestion. I do have this excellent book. In fact, I once had a full set of the plates complete with boxes, but unfortunately had to sell them 20 years ago due to divorce. I was thrilled when the book was issued.

 

[rock1947a]

Thanks for the reply Ron. I thought I had read that the Guard, being an elite formation, sometimes fought in full dress. My memory might be faulty. I wholeheartedly agree with you that fighting in full dress would be uncomfortable.

Some illustrations show the red shako plumes, including one in the Hourtoulle Wagram book attributed to Lucien Rousselot (page 51). To compound my confusion, the Nemrod 54mm Wagram artillery figures have conflicting details. The insignia on the cartridge pouches are for the Guard Foot Artillery, but the Shakos have square plates and eagles that appear to be for the Line. The figures' hair have no queues, suggesting Young rather than Old Guard. I think I can modify the shako plates, but maybe it would be easier to change the cartridge pouch insignia to the Line's crossed cannons.

As you can see, I have some decisions to make about this diorama. Your comments are very useful. If anyone else would like to contribute information or opinions I would appreciate it very much.

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Hi Peter

It can be confusing even in a well documented army like the first empire.

Eduard Detaille shows many paintings of the Guard, one at Eylau horse Grenadiers
the top guard regiment under fire ,no plumes other paintings showing soldiers with plumes in close escort duty to Napoleon so I think there is a deal of leeway aloud as
on campaign it would also depend on what was in the depots ,
The Austrians couldn't believe what a rag tag army had forced there the capitulation at Ulm

 

[Jim Patrick]

Hi Jim. Thanks for the suggestion. I do have this excellent book. In fact, I once had a full set of the plates complete with boxes, but unfortunately had to sell them 20 years ago due to divorce. I was thrilled when the book was issued.

Been there, done that. STILL trying to get all my stuff back...

Jim Patrick