Illutrations courtesy of Hourtoulle Soldats et Uniformes du premier Empire and Osprey Flags of the Napoleonic wars Vol. 1 to whom we express our thanks.

In 1804 the unit wore white double breasted jackets with red collar, cuffs and turnbacks, all edged in white and red lace, and white shoulder straps piped red. A red sash was worn around the waist. Initially they wore a black bicorn, edged in white, with a white red tipped plume. Below the plume and cockade was placed a silver badge. In 1806 a black leather double peaked helmet similar in shape to the Austrian cavalry helmet was introduced. It had a white wool crest and the metal side stiffeners, chinscales and bosses were white metal. The front of the helmet was embellished with a white metal plate similar in design to the Austrian cavalries and embossed with a star. Officers and men wore white breeches and high black leather heavy cavalry boots and for campaign they were issued grey overalls with a red stripe on the outer seam and white buttons. Equipment was of heavy cavalry pattern. The swords were straight edged, with a brass basket hilt, held in a plain steel scabbard. The sword was attached to the belt with two white leather straps and the sword knot was brown leather with a mixed red and white knot. Prior to 1808, a red sabretache edged in white was worn, although in 1810 it was retained for parade use only. Both the pouch and carbine belts were white leather with brass buckles and fittings etc. On the black leather ammo pouch was placed a white metal star decoration.

Officers and NCO's were as their infantry counter parts. Silver sashes, epaulets, swordknots and buttons etc. for the Officers and NCO's white metal edging to the helmet peaks and NCO rank badges where appropriate.

Prior to 1806 musicians wore a red single breasted jacket with red collar, cuffs and turnbacks all piped white. Then the white coat was introduced with scarlet swallow- nests with musicians lace on the sleeves and cuffs. Musicians had a red plume for their bicorns and redcrest for the helmet. Trumpets were brass with red cords.

Other changes to the uniform included the introduction of a black leather later pattern Prussian style helmet in 1810 and the addition of Guard lace to collar and cuffs in 1813.

The red shabraques had round front and back corners trimmed in 50mm wide white lace and had a white Ducal cypher and crown placed in the corners. The round valice was red piped white as were the pistol covers. Officers had silver lace to their shabraques etc., while trumpeters had white horse furniture trimmed red.

More Baden Army Part 2

Garde du Corps
Hussars, Light Dragoons and Landwehr Cavalry (1814)
Artillery (Foot and Horse)
Staff, Flags and Standards
Battle History