Uniforms
Mitre Caps: The most distinctive piece of our uniform; without one, your impression is incomplete. Contact the Commanding Officer for these.
Forage Caps: Red “Santa style nightcaps” with a blue wool head-band. To be worn when not wearing the mitre.
Hair: British soldiers at this time were clean-shaven. That means no facial hair while at certain functions( mustaches, beards or sideburns). Three day’s stubble is considered clean-shaven. British infantry hairstyles were plaited, clubbed and turned up under the hat or cap, held in place with a comb.
There are three solutions to achieve the proper look for hair. Wear a wig, brushed and combed as described above; wear long hair brushed and combed as described above; or wear false hair pieces for side curls and queue pinned into your real hair or sewn into your mitre cap. Wigs can be purchased from Madame Joan's Wee Wiggies
Regimental Coat and Waistcoat: Just prior to the French & Indian War (also known as the Seven Years War), grenadiers started to wear wings on their shoulders. The Royals most likely did too. See ,Vicki - our seamstress, to have your coat and waistcoats made.
Breeches: Royal Blue wool with a French fly. Buttons are pewter. Vicki can make the breeches.
Shirt: We suggest that you have at least two common linen shirts, white preferred, with neck and cuff ruffles. See Vicki or any sutler.
Neck stock: Neckwear is a white cravat or white roller. You will need a black neckstock also for campaigns. See Vicki or a sutler.
Shoes: Standard reproduction 18th century shoes.
Cartouche, Cartridge Box and Belt: See us for proper dimensions. All items can be bought from either Mike Kladky - our cordwainer, or the " Discriminating General". The belly box uses a buff belt to hold it in place. The "box" itself is painted red. The belly box can also be purchased from the Discriminating General.
Match Case: Can be bought from Mike Brewer our blacksmith or the Discriminating General.
Hanger: Mike Brewer - our unit blacksmith, can help you with this. Historically, the regiment used brass basket hilted-swords. If you can find one you are welcome to use it. However, the sword that the majority of us use is the Model 1751, British Grenadier Infantry Hanger, that has been modified by Mike Brewer - our blacksmith. You can buy the sword and scabbard from G. Gedney Godwin or on sutler’s row. If you have a 1742 model hanger, we will accept that too.
Bayonets: Must have a scabbard and are worn with the socket facing in, towards the body. Bayonets must have a tight fit to their musket.
Gaiters: The Regiment currently uses black, over-the-knee gaiters. The tops of the gaiters should come up to your mid-thigh and have 25 black buttons per leg. This represents the company’s “campaign” impression. You will next be expected to get a pair of white linen gaiters, with 25 black buttons per leg. The white gaiters are for dress and parade wear. Vicki can help you with these also. You will also need a pair of black garters that are used to hold the gaiters up and are attached at just below the knee.
Musket: Both the 1st and 2nd Model Brown Bess are acceptable. We would prefer the 1st model Long land Bess. These can be bought through Middlesex Village Trading Company. These muskets come with bayonet and sling. As these muskets are probably used in other impressions, it is not necessary to have regimental/company markings engraved or stamped. However, if you do want to mark your musket regimentally, see us for the proper markings and numbers to apply. You will be assigned a company stack and rack number.
Haversack & Canteen: Haversack is made of white linen and closed with three pewter buttons, and the canteen is either kidney or quarter moon-shaped tin, and covered with red wool.
Mess Kit: The Company eats a lot of meals in an 18th century environment. As such, you should have a tin, copper or pewter cup or mug, a tin or pewter plate, wood bowl and 18th century reproduction knife, fork, and spoon.
Tents: All enlisted men will use 1750 Bell Back wedge tents.
Knapsacks: Are cowhide, with a single belt over the shoulder to give the impression that we are on the march, when needed. You may fill the knapsack with clothes and kit.
Tri-corn hat: Black, equal on all three sides (not the Rev War cocked hat) with black cockade and white tape edges.
Rack & Stack Numbers: You will receive a company number, which will be marked into all of your equipment, belts and clothes with a quill pen, by the commanding officer. This will better identify them as yours and ours.