Need help on napoleonic uniforms

[Clarence1]

Hi,

I'm painting a 120mm verlinden figure, #1449, Chasseur of the old guard Waterloo

I'm not really sure that the color are ok cause everywhere I look, the pants are white instead of blue.

I tried to find info on the uniform but I couldn't find anything.

I don't have a good reference book. So I was wondering if someone here could help me with the color of the uniform.

Keep in mind that this is my first napoleonic figure so I"m not really good with all the mambo-jambo napoleonic stuff. You have to keep it simple.

My main concern is the color in general and the color used on the back pack and the little purse!! (I know this is not really clear!!!! I think it is called SAKO or something like that!!!)

Anyway thanks for looking and sharing. By the way a few picture of my figure

I know, it is not finished. Don't worry, It will be better.

Thanks again

Clarence

 

[chris1]

clarence

How goes it

I have two books showing guardsmen wearing dark blue trousers
one is based upon the movie WATERLOO (1815 armies at waterloo)the other is photogaraphs of re-inactors (Napoleons imperial guard:recreated in colour photographs )

So you are right.
I'm happy to forward the pages ou just send me a PM

Chris

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hi Clarence,
Normally the trousers of the Guard Infantry (Grenadiers, Chasseurs, Fusiliers/grenadiers, Fusiliers/chasseurs, Tirailleurs etc etc.) were white in summer, dark blue as the jacket in winter. The same for the gaiters, a little visiible under the trousers. White in summer, grey/black in winter. Well, Waterloo happened in June, 16-18 of 1815, after some very rainy days, the colour blue is correct for me, and it's showed in many paintings of the battle.
About the "purse", I think you are speaking of the cartridge pouch situated on the right rear side... It was black, semigloss leather, with a brass eagle (for the Guard Chasseurs) in the centre. Under the cartdrige pouch there was the rolled "bonnet de police", (fatigue cap) in dark blue, with an orange cord and tassel. This rolled cap was retained to the cartridge pouch by two white staps- Last thing: the hornet and the grenade on the turnbacks are orange yellow on a tiny white base.
Best regards
Marcello

 

[Sikander2]

It's unfortunate that Verlinden never supplies instructions, references, histories or even color charts. The buyer is left interpreting the photo's, which may be in error, and hoping for the best(altho the best way is personal research & questions). It's looking good, Clarence. ,Al

 

[Clarence1]

Thanks for the help

Thanks for sharing important info.

As you mentionned Al, it is unfortunate that Verlinden don't provide more info. But on the other hand, you can try anything you want!!!

As for cartridge pouch situated on the right rear side, on the cover of the box, it is painted in white. So I guess that black is a better choice as you've mentionned Marcello.

Anyway, I'll keep posting to let you know.
Thanks

Clarence

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hello Clarence,
The white finishing of the cartdrige pouch is due to a cloth covering, used to preserve the black leather again weathering damages. So, being your chasseur in campaign dress, you can paint it in white, especially if the sculpture shows some wrinkles looking the cloth. In this case, you must paint the eagle in black, because it was embroidered on the cloth, not the brass eagle embossed on the leather.
Best regards
M

 

[Clarence1]

Thanks again

Thanks again Marcello,

Your help is very appreciated. I'll follow your instructions. It seems that a good reference book could be a good investment. If you have suggestions let me know.

I've found some sites talking about the uniform but again, nothing come close to what you have said. The information was vague and incomplete on most of them.

Clarence

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hi Clarence,
I assembled my archives during some years of studying napoleonic uniforms. Books of uniforms, books of history and biographies, historical magazines, in French and English language. All rather expensive. Anyway, the market offers many books about the French Army, or describing the whole Army, or specialized in single Corps. However, I recommend above all the Rousselot's plates, IMO the best reference for the drawings, and for the text, as important as the images. I suggest to all to read the texts, I discovered many helpful informations more reading than watching only the images. The great part of those plates are still available, even if some references are finished. But the whole collection is rather expensive. I suggest also the books written and drawn by André Jouineau, edited by the French firm "Histoire et Collection", both in English or French. André took his informations from all the greatest historical authors of the XIX Century, then you can go sure on his notes. Simple drawings, logical text, not expensive, I believe they are a very good entry level. One of those books describes the Imperial Guard foot troops, where you can find all the notices for your Chasseur.
Best regards and good luck
Marcello