THE IMPERIAL FRENCH ARMY

Line Infantry and Chasseurs
Although this guide will include details such as piping and button colours, one of the great advantages of using 6mm figures is that many of these can be ignored as they are too small to seen on the finished articles.

Line Infantry wore a dark blue, double-breasted greatcoat, which was habitually worn with the front tails fastened back. Red fringed epaulettes were worn and the collar had red tabs on the leading edges. Trousers were red, tucked into white gaiters. All belting was of black leather. An off white ‘bread bag’ was slung by a white strap across the right shoulder. Headgear was a red-topped kepi.

Officers wore a similar uniform without the epaulettes, turnbacks and gaiters. A light blue waist sash was worn and rank was indicated but various numbers of gold braid stripes around the lower sleeve and on the kepi.

Chasseurs wore a dark blue, thigh length tunic. The collar and cuffs were piped in yellow and green fringed epaulettes were worn. Trousers were dark blue, tucked into white gaiters. All belting was of black leather. An off white ‘bread bag’ was slung by a white strap across the right shoulder. Headgear was a dark blue kepi, piped in yellow.

Zouaves
Based on North African dress, the Zoauve uniform was flamboyant and distinctive. They wore a dark blue, decorated short jacket. Trousers were red, very baggy and tucked into white gaiters. All belting was of black leather. An off white ‘bread bag’ was slung by a white strap across the right shoulder. Headgear was a red fez which could have a white turban wrapped around it. A light blue girdle completed the colourful outfit. The three regiments were distinguished by the colour of the false pockets in the jacket. Officers wore similar uniforms to Line infantry, but adopted the baggier trousers.

The only distinction between the three Zoauve Regiments were the false pockets, (Tombeaux). Red for the 1st regiment, white for the 2nd and yellow for the third

Uniforms for the North African Turcos were of similar cut. The Jacket and trousers were light blue, the girdle red and the piping yellow. Once again the regimental distinctions were marked by the Tombeaux; Red for the 1st regiment, white for the 2nd and yellow for the third