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2nd Leib (Life) Hussar Regiment 1813 The regiments wore uniforms of the typical hussar style, with dolmans and pelisses of the unusual black colour. This, together with the death's Head badge on the shako, created a very ominous, though striking, appearance. The Death's Head badge was a feature of certain Prussian uniforms as early as the 1740s. Facings were red for both the 1st and 2nd regiments, the only distinguishing feature being the shoulder-straps on both the pelisse and the dolman, which were white for the 1st regiment and red for the 2nd. The uniform was made by my friend Karen as one of her Graduation pieces as part of her Diploma of Entertainment at Swinburne. She had offered to make an outfit to my request some time before. I suggested a military uniform, since I had always wanted something like it. Going through some of my reference books I had suggested a far simpler uniform (one of the Brunswick Corps if I remember correctly). On the same page was a picture for the Prussian Hussar regiment. "That looks far more interesting" she said, pointing at the hussar uniform. "If that's what you want I'm more than happy for you to make it!" The uniform is wool. Trust me with all the layers, under stage lights, and the shako, it was getting pretty warm in there. The embroidery or lace is silver metallic purchased from a military supplier's. The pattern for the uniform was made from scratch by Karen based on references found in various military books I had as well as other stuff we could get. Given the popularity of Napoleonic re-enacting there's a surprising scarcity of information about uniform details. You can find regiment colours all over the place but try finding information on whether the dolmans had pockets or what the shape of the eagle on the side of the shako should be! The buttons on the waistcoat and dolman are purely decorative with both garments fastening at the front with hook and eye catches.
 With the completed barrel sash at the Australian Napoleonic Associantion Dinner 2004. |
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