Musketeer- August 1776 to April 1781
This is the Musketeer uniform which the unit would have worn from Hesse-Kassel when they arrived in at Sandy Hook, New York on August 15th 1776. The uniform was unmodified to service in the Colonies up until April of 1781 when the musketiers received some English provisions and articles of clothing.
Campaign Dress, 1781
This uniform reflects the dress adopted by Regiment von Bose when re-supplied in Wilmington, North Carolina after the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in the Spring of 1781. The gaitored trousers were worn as adopted by the rest of the Crowned Forces in Cornwallis's Army.
Grenadier- August 1776 to End of War
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This is the uniform of a grenadier of the regiment, and reflects their appearance throughout the war. The addition of the brass "grenadiermütze" (cap) and four brass "granaten" (grenades) located on the cartridge box, neither of which are found on the musketeers, signified their prized role as grenadiers, and enhanced their esprit de corps. Characteristically as grenadiers, they kept mustaches, unlike the musketeers.
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Grooming Standards
The musketeers wore their hair quite long with a qeue or Zopf that extended to the middle of the back. The face was clean shaven. Side locks were worn, two to each side.
Long hair is something that few are able to maintain. Many reenactors cannot have period correct hair due to one's work environment or are unable to devote the time required. A period hairstyle can be achieved with a wig or a fake queue.
In his diary, Lt. Johann Carl Philipp von Krafft, a soldier of Capt. Eigenbrod's Grenadier company, states that, "From this time, since Philadelphia we had to wear hair-locks locks again". This would seem to indicate that the men had false queues if not real ones.
Long hair is something that few are able to maintain. Many reenactors cannot have period correct hair due to one's work environment or are unable to devote the time required. A period hairstyle can be achieved with a wig or a fake queue.
In his diary, Lt. Johann Carl Philipp von Krafft, a soldier of Capt. Eigenbrod's Grenadier company, states that, "From this time, since Philadelphia we had to wear hair-locks locks again". This would seem to indicate that the men had false queues if not real ones.
The Hair Style
The side view showing the two horizontal curls at each side of the face. The hair has been powdered in keeping with period custom. The length of the hair at the back was tightly wrapped into a long qeue.
Uniform/ Clothing Sources:
Line of March
Carl Ivarson (Unit Member)
https://www.facebook.com/LineOfMarch/
Leatherwork Sources:
Tomáš Filip-Leatherwork
https://www.facebook.com/tomas.filipleatherwork
S. Pekar, Shoe and Accoutrement Maker
Shaun Pekar
https://www.facebook.com/pg/pekaraccoutrements/photos/?ref=page_internal
Shaun Pekar
https://www.facebook.com/pg/pekaraccoutrements/photos/?ref=page_internal
Kriegsarmaturen
Joseph Malit
(Leather/ Brass)
https://www.facebook.com/Kriegsarmaturen/
Regimental coat (Rock)
Revised Coat, von Bose
The coat body is made of prussian blue, wool and fitted closely to the wearer in keeping with late 18th Century military fashion. The uniforms that the Hessian Troops wore during the American Revolution were based on those worn by the Prussian Army.
This coat features a white, wool collar and facings that are non-functional and sewn down directly to the blue wool of the coat. The buttons are arranged down the facings in pairs and on the cuffs. The coat is lined in the body with red bay (boy) and lined with linen in the sleeves. The turn-backs button together with tabs. The wool lace is fashioned into a point, the length of which is the thickness of the facing. The coat has a single epaulet just behind the left shoulder used to secure the cartridge box sling.
The coat body is made of prussian blue, wool and fitted closely to the wearer in keeping with late 18th Century military fashion. The uniforms that the Hessian Troops wore during the American Revolution were based on those worn by the Prussian Army.
This coat features a white, wool collar and facings that are non-functional and sewn down directly to the blue wool of the coat. The buttons are arranged down the facings in pairs and on the cuffs. The coat is lined in the body with red bay (boy) and lined with linen in the sleeves. The turn-backs button together with tabs. The wool lace is fashioned into a point, the length of which is the thickness of the facing. The coat has a single epaulet just behind the left shoulder used to secure the cartridge box sling.
Collar and facing detail, coat made by Chris Ruff
rear view, von Bose coat
Skirt and back vent detail, the originals were generally tacked together with the raw edges showing along the length of the vent.
shoulder board used to secure the broad cartridge box strap.
Waistcoat
Replica Hessian waistcoat made of white wool broadcloth and lined in linen. This waistcoat pattern is based upon the sole surviving Prussian one of the 15th Infantry Regiment. Welted buttonholes are replicated for this example.
Waistcoat rear view showing skirt details and wool back. This one bears a tab at the left waist, presumably to secure the waistbelt to the side.
Waistcoat detail, waistbelt secured by the button and tab on the left side.
Waistcoat detail, welted buttonholes. The original has 12 evenly spaced buttonholes.
Waistcoat detail, rear of welted buttonholes.
Waistcoat detail, false pockets lined in linen.
Hat
Musketeer's hat with red, wool Puschel. The hat is tacked together with black soutasche.
Top view of hat showing braided white and red wool cord with tassles on ends.
Hat Puschel made of red wool yarn. The threads have been picked to undo the yarns and fill out the fullness. The wool yarns are cut to shape. The Puschel is simply tacked to the top of the hat with linen thread as is the Grenadier's on the miter cap.
Brass "grenadiermütze" crafted by Joe Malit
Weapons: The weapons used by Hessian troops during the American Revoluition were largely based upon those of the Prussian Army. At present, there are no known muskets known to have survived from the von Bose Regiment. We currently use replicas of the British, Short Land Pattern Musket or replicas of the Prussian model 1740 Infanterie Gewehr.
Indian made copy of Hessian Musket (Prussian Model of 1740)
Indian made Hessian Musket, copy of Prussian Model 1740. Top view of lock
Indian made Hessian Musket, copy of Prussian Model 1740, side view
Hessian infantrymen routinely carried swords (infanteriesäbel) in addition to their bayonets. At present, their are no known enlisted model, swords to have survived from the von Bose Regiment.
Hanger hilt with sword knot
Equipment is also based upon that used by the Prussian Army. There is no equipment known to have survived from the vonBose Regiment. I know, it sucks, but it seems that all of this stuff has been lost to history!
Cartridge Box and Plate crafted by Joe Malit
Prussian style cartridge box crafted by Joe Malit, opened flap view.
Tool/flint pouch attached to box
Cartridge box showing leather insert/block in place.
Leather insert/block, crafted by Joe Malit
Tornister/Field Pack
The tornister was used to carry extra clothing and personal effects when in the field.
Replica Tornister crafted by Matt Keagle
