As the first impression of the French Army during the #RevWar in the UK, it is essential to set a high standard for all our kit and equipment. At present our main priority is, of course, uniforms! These are grounded in the Reglementes, consultation with historians and researchers, and produced in partnership with some incredibly skilled craftspeople.
The first key item is our vestes (sleeved waistcoats). The French Army of this, and indeed later, periods considered this to be the primary working garment of a soldier; the habite (jacket, the equivalent of the “red coat”) was only worn for specific occasions. It was therefore essential for this foundational garment to be functional and hard-wearing in a range of conditions. The 1779 Reglemente specified that it should therefore made of drap (broadcloth) with a toile (canvas) gusset under the arm, to improve mobility. The pocket shape is taken from the infamous 1788 portrait of Jean Thurel, the “oldest soldier of Europe”.
The collet (collar) and passepoil (piping, in this case on the cuff) are in Le Gatinois’ facing colour of violet. The veste buttons bear the regimental number of Le Gatinois – “18 – although referring to regiments as these administrative designations only became widespread after the Revolution.
We plan to, at some point, also incorporate the toile vestes which were worn by Le Gatinois during their deployment to Saint-Domingue and mainland North America as a summer variant to the regulation uniform.
Particular thanks are owed to Matthew Keagle for his work and support. Our vestes are made by Graves Historical Uniforms (who kindly provided the photos), using material supplied by Kochan-Phillips Historical Textiles and buttons supplied by Roy Najecki.
Le Régiment Gatinois 