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Thank you very much, Duco.
I've found one source that says hussar officers had an undress cape, coloured in Russian green with a scarlet lining.
Any opinions?
donald
as a lacy guy I will send you a plate, showing them in winter dress. Better than to descripe. A pity that we can't show plates or photos in this forum...
You're quite welcome; wish I could be of more help.
It's quite possible that they had a green cape- I've seen many pictures of Russian officers in grey capes as well.
On the other hand, remember that officer's uniforms were, pardon the pun, less uniform, as they purchased them themselves. Also, hussars of all nations were notorious show-offs, so your average gentleman hussar officer would probably not have been caught dead in a cape that clashed with the colours of his uniform (in the French army there was quite a fight when some bureacrat decided all hussars should have green overalls). My (uneducated) guess is that variations were widespread, depending on supply availability, the particular unit and the officer's own preferences and wealth. Can't really go too wrong, unless you paint them fluorescent yellow!
Hi, Duco,
it's a compicated topic!
Viskovatov says the shade of the coats for the regiment should be uniform but the exact colour is down to what's available.
Even if all are in grey, I think the officers would have a nicer coat (& probably of a diffrent hue).
regards, donald
especially in 1812 the Russians had shortcommings with uniforms. The new recruits for the infantry fought in the grey training uniform at the French retreat. Take a look at Osprey Russian Grenadier for more details.
So when the simple infantry uniform was difficult to get what about a flamboyant hussar uniform? The Russians had the same problems as the allies with the cold and winter clothing.
I don't know any contemporary painting showing Russian hussars in greatcoat. So I fear we have to trust the secondary sources. Or does anybody know a primary source?