Template:Russian Dragoons Uniform Plates

Uniform

During summer, Russian dragoons did not wear coats. These were left in the baggage. For this reason, we present two different plates.

N.B.: another interpretation states that, on active duty, the dragoons did not wear their cornflower blue coat.

There seems to have been important variations of the uniform in the field:

• “kollet” edged with a cornflower blue braid or undecorated
• “kollet” totally absent due to supply problems and replaced by the cornflower blue coat and/or the cornflower blue waistcoat

Troopers

Uniform in 1757 - Source: Richard Couture Summer uniform in 1757 - Source: Richard Couture

Uniform Details Headgear Dragoon black felt tricorne laced white with a white cockade on the left fastened with a copper button Grenadier until 1759: mitre with a brass front plate embossed with trophies of weapons and standards and carrying in its centre the regimental coat of arms surmounted by the Imperial Eagle, a black leather skull-cap and neck guard with brass reinforcements and decorations, a white wool pompom from 1759: black felt tricorne laced white with a white cockade on the left fastened with a bronze button Neck stock black Coat cornflower blue lined red; with copper buttons and red trimmed buttonholes N.B.: the coat was not worn during summer Collar red Shoulder straps none Lapels none Pockets none Cuffs red with 3 copper buttons Turnbacks red Gloves buff Kollet chamois leather fastened with hooks and eyes; with cornflower blue collar and cuffs; horizontal pockets, each with 3 copper buttons. N.B.: this so-called “kollet” could also be edged with cornflower blue braid made from old winter capes Waistcoat a cornflower blue waistcoat made from old winter capes, which was worn under the “kollet” Breeches chamois leather with white knee covers Leather Equipment Crossbelt natural leather Waistbelt white Cartridge Box black with a copper plate carrying the regimental arms Scabbard black leather Footgear black boots Horse Furniture Saddlecloth cornflower blue without lace Housings cornflower blue without lace Blanket roll n/a

Troopers were armed with a short carbine, two pistols and a sabre. They also had a cornflower blue epancha (cape) for winter.

Other interpretations

The representations of the "tails" of the "kollet" differ widely. Some authors show rather long tails others illustrate short tails. If the "kollet" was sometimes worn under the coat, its tails were probably shorter than those of the coat.

NCOs

Corporals wore uniforms similar to those of the troopers.

Other NCOs wore uniforms similar to those of the troopers with the following distinctions:

• gold laced tricorne
• gold laced collar
• gold laced cuffs:
  • 1 stripe for Unterfähnrich
  • 2 stripes for armourers and quartermasters
  • 3 stripes for sergeant

Officers

Officers wore uniforms similar to those of the troopers with the following distinctions:

• gold laced tricorne
• gilt buttons
• no turnbacks
• black and gold silken sash
• cornflower blue saddlecloth and housings laced gold carrying the imperial cipher

Musicians

Musicians wore uniforms similar to those of the troopers with the following distinctions:

• swallow nests at the shoulders

The kettle-drum and the trumpets were made of copper. The banners were of the colour of the squadron standards. The banner of the kettle-drum was embroidered and fringed in gold.