French Metropolitan Infantry Uniforms Construction

[lightbob]

I am looking for correct making information and composition of the Troupes de Terre uniforms etc.

Raw Edges:
Were edges left raw as in English uniforms or just bottom hems of justacorps? Were the cuffs turned or raw? Same edges to front buttoning/pleating/collars. Or do we have a raw outer heavier wool edge with a turned edge to the lighter wool lining?

Linings:
Was wool used throughout to line coats & waistcoats, or just the skirts. Was linen used for the body? Were sleeves lined, if so with what?

Wool Colours:
Was Grey/White cloth white or how grey is it, or perhaps it means undyed/natural. Do the french have different coloured sheep to us. Is there any warrant as to cloth weights etc.

Buttons:
Brass/copper/pewter or both we may have but are there any set sizes for coats, cuffs, waistcoats and quantities to uniform items.

Tricornes:
An old "Uniformes", mag now lost, stated hooks & eyes to hook up the brims (ie not laced up), but what are the thingyades made from? I have sources some good false gold hat edging.

Cravat:
Is this a linen oblong purpose made collar? Hooked or buckled?
(similar to Napoleonic versions)

Gaiters:
Any information on these will be appreciated - buttons, seams, as they seem to have a distinctive look.

Well that's enough for starters, any primary sources any references will be most help full.
Cheers Simon

PS. Thingy has been substituted for the word for a ribbon bow on a tricorn - a PC PC! ;D

[dingo]

hi there dude
general idea with french uniforms now is that the edges weren't left raw as the cloth was of such poor quality
check out discimmating general for de terre regiments
word of warning don't line your sleeves of the justicorp ,it gets far to hot with a waist coat on use surge cloth
go for white cloth for the justicorp,it turns grey real fast check geoff and my coats for evidence of that,also white or natural wool was cheaper

[lightbob]

Would this cheap wool be a Navy Dept' thing in the Canada's.
So maybe the later uniform changes of 1758 moving away from Navy production uniforms to those of European France may have more raw edges due to better quality?
U S & Canadian Sutlers supply coats of 21oz wool lined with 13oz serge.
Perhaps they didn't give a nuts for the Canadian and what they looked like as long as they fought well? OR were the Navy Dept' just robbing them and lining their own pockets (literally)?
Just thinking out loud!
Simon

[lightbob]

Has anyone done business with these Colonials?

www.thequartermastergeneral.com/

Their wares look rather nice!
Simon

[steve stanley]

Hmm...I need some new 17th cent stuff as well............

[Admin(Lepoir)]

Whoah there nelly!
Raw edges - I read an officer noted that the uniforms he was sent were garbage and France would be better off sending the cloth to make them with. My gran made my uniform and turned the waistcoat edging cos she just couldn't bear leaving them raw! All my other stuff is raw though.

Lining - Serge is fairly light, all our stuff is lined even the sleeves but I guess its personal preference.

Wool Colour - I have seen some troops in grey and it just looks wrong. However it isn't a bleached white, it is a fairly natural looking colour I think.

Buttons are noted as either gold or silver in regimentals meaning brass or silver and the arrangement varies according to the regiment.

Cravat - there is a pattern which is a colour with a black pleated front and a three pronged buckle on the back.

Gaiters made from two pieces on the leg and one over the shoe. Back centre seam. I use about ten buttons up to the knee then there are double button holes button onto the breeches.

Give us a few pointers on whether you are thinking marine or regular and I can find some more stuff?

[dingo]

so thats right about turned edges, as rubbish cloth just falls apart
and grey cloth has to be dyed and that takes money ,your spot on with the el naturel .as stated it will go grey or red depending on the wine