Uniform and Equipment

of

Wright’s Company of Grenadiers

1st Royal Regiment of Foot, Inc.

The list below is to be followed when uniforming yourself for the Royals.  Please refer to the color painting of a grenadier of the Royals, made by David Morier in 1751.  This grenadier will be referred to as ‘Private Morier” (shown at left)   This is the primary source that our uniform is based on.  We would also like to point out the obvious: that we represent grenadiers, the elite of the regiment and the army.  Not only are we elite, but the entire regiment is elite in that it is considered one of the Six Old Corps, being the oldest line regiment in the British establishment.  That’s why we have the nickname “Pontius Pilate’s Bodyguard”! 

For some of the following items, we will help you get what you need after you join us.

Mitre Caps: The most distinctive piece of our uniform; without one, your impression is incomplete.

Forage Caps: Red “Santa style nightcaps” with a plain blue wool head-band and white tassel at point.  To be worn when not wearing the mitre.  There are no painted or embroidered devices on the blue head-band.

Hair: British soldiers at this time were clean-shaven.  That meanss no facial hair (mustaches, beards or sideburns).  Three day’s stubble is considered clean-shaven.  British infantry hairstyles were plaited and turned up under the hat or cap, held in place with a comb.  Side-locks were grown long and worn in tight curls in front of the ears.  Refer to Private Morier for documentation. 

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.

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, but what they looked like would be pure conjecture.  When we designed the kit, we decided to go without shoulder wings, as is seen in the Morier painting.  This also gave us the flexibility to wear tri-corn hats and portray battalion troops, if ever needed.

Breeches: Royal Blue wool with a French fly.  Buttons are pewter. C & D Jarnagin or your own private supplier can make the breeches.

Shirt:  We suggest that you have at least two common linen shirts, white preferred.  See any sutler, or talk to us for guidance.  Contact us for a seamstress who makes 100% hand-made linen shirts.

Neck stock:  Neckwear is a white cravat or white roller. Contact us for a sutler.

Shoes: Standard reproduction 18th century shoes.

Cartridge Box, Belt, and Waist Carriage:  See us for proper dimensions.  All items can be bought from either the " Discriminating General" or C & D Jarnagin.  The Discriminating General offers all the necessary equipment in a finished, ready-to-use condition and it costs less than Jarnagin.  Jarnagin’s leatherwork, once delivered, still needs to be painted the proper buff color.  If you order from C & D Jarnagin, you MUST tell them that you want the special “John Wright Pattern”, to get the correct item.  The belly box has a crown and GRII embossed in gold leaf on the front flap, and uses a buff belt to hold it in place.  The belly box can also be purchased from the Discriminating General.

Match Case:  Can be bought from the Discriminating General.

Hanger:  Historically, the regiment used brass basket hilted-swords.  We have been told that these are reproduced, but have not seen any.  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.  You can buy the sword and scabbard from G. Gedney Godwin or on sutler’s row or the cheapest example from Collector’s Armoury, Ltd.  If you have a 1742 model hanger, we will accept that too.  If your sword has the customized Royal Welch Fusilier handle, that’s okay too!

Bayonets: Must have a scabbard and are worn with the socket facing in, towards the body, as seen on Private Morier.  Bayonets must have a tight fit to their musket.

Gaiters: The Company currently uses painted and polished black, over-the-knee gaiters.  The tops of the gaiters should come up to your mid-thigh and have 18 black bone buttons per leg.  This represents the company’s “campaign” impression.  You will next be expected to get a pair of white linen gaiters, with 18 black bone buttons per leg (again refer to Private Morier).  The white gaiters are for dress and parade wear.  Ultimately, the company plans to wear light brown gaiters. C & D Jarnagin and Flying Canoe Traders make them.  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.  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.  Also, we require your musket serial number and any other distinguishing markings, to be recorded in our muster book.  This is so if the un-thinkable happens and your weapon is stolen, we have an instant description available for the police. 

Musket sling: Is made of buff leather.  Black or brown is unacceptable.

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.

Mess Kit: The Company eats a lot of meals in an 18th century environment.  As such, you should have a tin 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 wedge tents.  Because these tents are used for other impressions, it is not necessary to stencil them with regimental/company numbers.

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 or lightweight packing peanuts.  This is the last and least required item.

Tri-corn hat: Black, equal on all three sides (not the Rev War cocked hat) with black cockade and white tape edges.  Not to be used unless directed by commanding officer and not to take the place of the forage cap.  This is STRICTLY for only when we might be used to portray a battalion man, and at such times our hair policy is still in force.

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.