Anhalt-Zerbst Infantry

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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.

Uniform in 1761 - Source: Richard Knötel Uniformenkunde

Uniform in 1761 - Source: Frédéric Aubert from a template made by Richard Couture.

Uniform Details

Headgear	Musketeer black tricorne without lace and with a red pompom Grenadier black, Austrian-style grenadier cap decorated with a brass flaming grenade; red bag with red tassel
Neckstock	red
Coat	white, Austrian cut, scarlet lining with 3 brass button under the right lapel Collar none Shoulder Straps red fastened with a brass button (left shoulder only) Lapels scarlet with: 7 brass buttons arranged 1-3-3 Pockets horizontal pockets, each with 3 brass buttons Cuffs scarlet narrow cuffs without any button Turnbacks scarlet
Waistcoat	white with brass buttons
Breeches	white
Gaiters	black
Leather Equipment	Crossbelt white Waistbelt white Cartridge Box black Bayonet Scabbard black with brass fittings Scabbard black with brass fittings Footgear black, squared type shoes

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