Information on 17th century Russian uniforms

[Bluesking]

I have slowly been building up a collection of Irish Soldiers in foreign armies over the past 2/3 years and have learned of an Irish company in a Russian Army Regiment known as the "Byelskiye Germans" in 1610-20.
The company was in the Polish service up to 1613 when the Byelaya garrison (formerly a part of the Polish army) surrended to the Russian troops and joined the Russian service.
Later, in 1617 at least 56 soldiers from that company took part in defence of Mozhaysk, near Moscow (against Polish troops (there are accounts of their bravery) and after (in 161 in the defence of Moscow. South in Byelaya garrison (present Ukraine).

Any one got ANY ideas on what uniform the regiment would have worn? Any information would be great.

 

[Wlas]

Tough question. Since 'uniforms' per se weren't in effect at that time you would probably be safe thinking in terms of the dress of the 30 years war (early) with Slavic influences. Since whatever clothing they had when they joined the service of the Poles was probably shot by the time they finished their tour with the Russians. ready references for the Slavs are a bit lean, but not inaccessible. A ready reference for Polish style would be Brzezinski Polish Armies 1569-1696 (1) in the Osprey series. Good luck with the hunt.

 

[Bluesking]

Thanks John, I'll take a look