Spring 1813 Uniform
Notes from Calpe Miniatures: "Once again, there are two versions of each figure. The first wears the shako, the b version wears the peaked reservists cap.
These figures form the core of the PR set. They wear the uniform issued to all reservists at the start of hostilities in 1813. The reservist's uniform was based on the fatigue uniform of the regular infantry. It consisted of a peaked cap, a short grey jacket with province coloured patches on the collar, grey breeches, gaiters (when available), a black cartridge box and canvas backpack and knapsack. Since they were produced at the provincial level, there were slight variations in the uniforms issued by the various provinces. The most noticeable differences were in the production of the jacket: some had shoulder straps, others not: some had yellow metal buttons, others had cloth covered ones: two reserve battalions of the First West Prussian regiment, even added short tails to theirs.
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The reserve uniform evolved or was replaced as the war progressed. Those battalions which retained this uniform, were issued with regulation covered shakoes, regulation packs and greatcoats, as soon as they were available. In most cases these regulation items were already in evidence by the time the unit saw action. The caps and canvas packs were used as replacement items. There were still men using caps and canvas packs in most of the battalions wearing this uniform at Ligny and Waterloo. Very few reservists were issued with the regulation sword as worn by the line infantry. However, since the sword knot was important in identifying each individual's company, most men were issued with sword knots which they usually tied to the strap of the knapsack on the left hip.
This uniform was worn by the following battalions/regiments:
All reserve battalions prior to the 1813 armistice.
Following the armistice, this uniform was retained by 3rd battalion of the 12th line; all battalions of the 6th reserve regiment (later 18th line); all battalions of the 7th reserve regiment (later 19th line); all battalions 10th, 11th, 12th reserves (later 22nd, 23rd and 24th line).
By the time of the Waterloo campaign, this uniform was still used by 3rd battalion 12th line; all battalions of the 23rd and 24th line."
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