General de Brigade

[Ordnanceboard]

Most sources I am using for my British cavalry have pretty good plates on the uniforms accompaied by text highlighting the officer and snco variations for the soldiers uniforms. What they are light on are descriptions of the shabraque, sheepskin and vandye/lace and valisse colours for the horse furniture.

For models with sculpted with the field service blanket its easy, but many models have parade details.

Any recommended sources?

[Ronan the Librarian]

Ospreys will usually describe the items, if there aren't any actual depictions of them in the colour plates. Failing that, get hold of a copy of the 1800 (1802?) uniform regulations, which should describe all the units and their accoutrements.
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You can lead a horse to water, but a toy soldier can no longer be lead (due to Health & Safety Regulations).

[Ordnanceboard]

Thanks for that, having had a quick google, I now need to find someone with Wellington's Light Cavalry in stock.

[Andy R]

Hi,

For the most part furniture was Havana (dark brown) in colour. The 18th had London tan tack.

An interesting aspect is a reference from an officer in the 18th in 1813 (or there abouts) complains about the 10th and 15th wearing their home service shabraques and furniture on campaign, while passing comment that the 18th would look more soldierly dressed down for marching order with officers using plain blue shabraques.

Actually, just found the quote (taken from British Cavalry of the Napoleonic Wars)

"Horse-furniture varied; Lieut. Woodberry of the 18th noted that the 10th and 15th had their 'Review Furniture' in 1813, though the 18th had only plain furniture, plus plain blue shabraques for officers' dress occasions; 'we shall not be equal to them in appearance. However…our dress will be more becoming a regiment on service…'
Regimental orders of 23rd February 1813 stated that the 18th's plain bridles and furniture…will have quite a soldierlike appearance as the more splendid review furniture of the other two regiments of hussars'."

While the Hussar shabraques differed, the light Dragoon shabraques were much of a muchness with the trim differing according to the colour epaulettes worn (post 1812)
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Young men have often been ruined through owning horses, or through backing them, but never through riding them: unless of course they break their necks, which, taken at a gallop, is a very good death to die.

[Eugene1809]

Dear O,

I have just received my copy from Caliver of "British Napoleonic Uniforms" by C.E. Franklin and published by The History Press.

Firstly let me say that it is a wonderful book full of excellent production values, well printed and great level of detail. Highly recommended in fact!

Sensational detail on all uniforms and comprehensive pages on Cavalry harness and Horse furnituire.
cheers

Carlo

[Ordnanceboard]

Many thanks for the recommendation of the CE Franklin book. I had spotted it months ago on Amazon, but it was unavailable. Have now popped along to the Caliver website and ordered a copy.