xi) Cacciatori Volontari dol Tre Abruzzi Origins The Voluntary Chasseurs of the Three Abruzzi were three short lived companies of cavalry raised in the provinces of Abruzzo Ultra I (Teramo), Abruzzo Ultra 2 (Aquila) and Abruzzo Citra (Chieti) by a decree of June 25th 1807. They were disbanded on December 28th of the same year so the following uniform may never have been issued. Uniform Coat The uniform was in the hussar style with a white dolman with 17 rows of either scarlet or white braid (depending on which source you use), each having 5 white metal buttons. The collar and pointed cuffs were scarlet piped white. The pelisse was medium blue with scarlet braid, white buttons and black fur edging, the latter having white lace around the cuffs. The stable coat was medium blue. Trousers The scarlet breeches bore white Hungarian Knots and white seam piping and were worn with hussar style boots, these having white lace trim and tassels.The stable overalls were medium blue. Headgear The shako had brass chin scales and a shield shaped plate, this latter bearing the royal monogram. White cords were worn, as was the French cockade and a distinguishing plume for each company, these being white, black or green respectively. The forage cap was white with scarlet trim. Equipment All belts were of white leather and these supported a plain black cartridge pouch, a steel hilted sabre with a white strap in a steel fitted, black leather scabbard and a sabretache, which was scarlet with white trim and bore the Royal Monogram and crown in white. The horse furniture consisted of a white sheepskin edged with scarlet Wolf's Teeth and a round scarlet portmanteau. Officers' Uniforms As usual, these were similar to those of the men with the usual hussar style rank markings on the sleeves and thighs, these being in silver, as was the braid. Musicians Musicians wore a scarlet dolman with white braid, scarlet breeches and a yellow pelisse with scarlet braid. More Uniforms of the Neapolitan Army 1806-1815 Part 1: Line Infantry Part 1: Light Infantry Part 2: Cavalry Part 2: Artillery Part 3: Guard Infantry Part 3: Guard Cavalry Part 3: Guard Artillery Part 4: Naples City Guard Part 4: Provincial Legions Part 4: Provincial Companies Part 4: Cacciatori Volontari dei Tre Abruzzi Part 4: Internal Security Guards Part 4: Gendarmeria Back to Table of Contents -- First Empire #16 Back to First Empire List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1995 by First Empire. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com