The field uniform and primary impression for the vonBose Muskteer during the Yorktown Campaign was somewhat modified from the regulation dress that they arrived to North America in.
The regimental coat or Rock was crafted from sturdy indigo dyed, Prussian-blue, wool. The body lining was of loosely woven, madder red, baze or Boy, as the Prussians termed it. The coat sleeves end in a Brandenburg style cuff. The sleeves are lined in light weight linen or osnaburg. The coats are faced in white wool and bear six buttons in pairs down the facings. The coat has a small non-functional collar and has one pointed, shoulder board on the back side of the left shoulder to secure the cartridge box strap. The facings are believed to have been functional on earlier coats and non-functional on later versions. The coat's skirt has false pockets secured with two buttons each. The skirt corners were habitually buttoned back with the red lining showing.
The hat worn by the musketiers of the regiment was trimmed in the Prussian style and made of black, wool felt with white wool binding on the brim. The hat featured a linen lining and with a braided hat cord of red and white, wool yarn, the ends of which are attached to a red pom, poms (puschel). The hat was tacked together with black soutache and bound up on the left front with a single button. A red, wool pom-pom or Puschel was sewn just behind the left flap and secured to the top of the crown.
The small clothes consisted of a white linen shirt, red wool neck stock, black wool gaitors, white wool breeches and white wool waistcoat.
The waistcoat or Veste was made from sturdy, white wool and lined in lightweight linen or osnaburg.
The waistcoat back was made of the same material as the lining. The waistcoat has non-functional pocket flaps and 10 buttons down the front.
The breeches were crafted from sturdy, white wool as used for the waistcoat, and interfaced with natural linen.
Existing Artifacts
It is not known if von Bose used this style of canteen
Brunswick canteen with cup stopper,
Bruswick Cartridge Box, the tool pouch has been torn away. This image shows the edge binding on the box portion.
The following photos highlight details of Prussian uniforms circa 1785
Construction features and cut of these regimental coats are duplicated in the replica uniform. Non-functional lapels, pockets and cuffs are evident as are collars, shoulder boards and functioning button tabs on the coat skirts.
WEAPONS: Swords, Pole Arms, Muskets and Bayonets
The weapons used by Hessian troops during the American Revolution were based upon those of the Prussian Army of Frederick the Great.