Anhalt-Zerbst Infantry
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Contents
Origin and History
The regiment was raised in 1761 by Fürst Friederich August von Anhalt-Zerbst to serve with the Austrian Army. It consisted of a single battalion of 4 coys, of 500 infantrymen, 50 cavalrymen, few regimental pieces with 20 "technics". According to Duffy, it was "an under-strength unit of undersized soldiers, and of little military use." The eccentric Fürst Friederich August was politically valuable as a Protestant Prince of Northern Germany and as the brother of Catherine (later "the Great") then wife of the Russian Heir Duke Peter of Holstein-Gottorp.
Inhaber:
- Friederich August von Anhalt-Zerbst
During the Seven Years' War, the regiment was commanded by:
- from 1761: Major Johann Carl Amadeus Baron von Zerbst
At the end of the Seven Years' War, in 1763, the regiment assumed garrison duty in Philippsburg until 1767. It was then retroceded to the Principality of Anhalt-Zerbst.
Service during the War
In 1762, the regiment was attached to the Reichsarmee and took part in the campaign of Saxony. There are no further records apart the following losses: prisoners 3, died in hospital 113, deserted 138.
Uniform
Privates
The uniform illustrated is taken from a copy of a contemporary print produced originally as an aid to recruiting.
Headgear |
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Neckstock | red | ||||||||||||
Coat | white, Austrian cut, scarlet lining with 3 brass button under the right lapel
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Waistcoat | white with brass buttons | ||||||||||||
Breeches | white | ||||||||||||
Gaiters | black | ||||||||||||
Leather Equipment |
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Privates were armed with a musket, a bayonet and a brass hilted sword
Officers
The officers probably wore the same uniform as the privates with the following exceptions:
- tricorne lined gold with a cockade
- black neckstock
- gilt gorget
- no turnbacks
- no shoulder strap
- yellow and black silk sash worn around the waist under the coat
- black cavalry boots
Musicians
no information found
Colours
no information found
References
Knötel, Richard: Uniformenkunde, Vol. XII, No. 4
Duffy, Christopher - By Force of Arms, Vol. II of The Austrian Army in the Seven Years War. The Emperor Press, 2008
Reese, Timothy: Uniforms of the American Revolution, Vol. 2 (French and German regiments), 2007
Tessin, Georg: Die Regimenter der europäischen Staaten im Ancién Regime des XVI. bis XVIII. Jahrhunderts. Part 1 Die Stammlisten, Osnabrück 1986