Line Fusiliers
Notes from Calpe Miniatures: "Prussian Line Fusiliers 1813-15 (Code PF) Please note that these figures are not suitable for use as line musketeers.
Fusiliers wore a uniform very similar to that of the musketeers. The basics of the uniform; jacket, breeches and gaiters; were identical to those worn by the musketeers. Even though there were differences in the shako decorations as worn by fusiliers and musketeers; once the cover was tied over the shako; their headgear was identical. The most striking distinction of the fusiliers was their blackened belting; all straps belts etc. were black. These were white for the musketeers. Traditionally, fusiliers also carried muskets with blackened woodwork.
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It is for the reasons explained above that most figure manufacturers do not bother making fusilier figures. After all, straps can simply be painted black to make fusiliers. However, they are conveniently overlooking two subtle, but important, disparities between the equipment issued to fusiliers and musketeers:
Musketeers were issued with a short sabre as a sidearm. Fusiliers carried a straight bladed "Faschinenmesser".
Musketeers had an oval plate on their cartridge boxes. Fusiliers had no plate on theirs. It is worth noting that fusiliers were not issued with "belly pouches" as asserted in some sources. They carried a normal pouch held in place by a belt over the left shoulder.*
Lastly, fusilier officers carried sabres, while musketeer officers wore a straight bladed "Degen".
* The "belly pouch" issue has arisen as a result of a Knotel illustration showing a fusilier NCO wearing one. Fusilier NCOs did, indeed, wear a cartridge pouch on a belt at the front. It was a distinction of fusilier NCOs together with a small brass plate on the belt which carried the sword. They also wore marching boots. Only NCOs were allowed to wear these items."
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