#8166 French Line Grenadiers

Dated: August 28, 2007

French Line Grenadiers 1805-1812

In Napoleon's line infantry, the grenadiers formed the senior elite company of the battalion. Traditionally selected from experienced, reliable and often taller soldiers, they were expected to provide steadiness in difficult situations and additional weight in an assault. Grenadiers fought as part of their parent battalion, but their status was marked by distinctive uniform features, including fringed epaulettes, the short infantry sabre and, in many regiments, the bearskin cap that gave them such an imposing appearance.

box

This set represents French line grenadiers of roughly 1805–1812. The figures wear bearskin caps with the elaborate cords, tassels and other decorations commonly seen in the field despite official attempts to simplify their appearance, together with fringed epaulettes and correctly detailed cartridge boxes. The set contains 48 figures in eight poses, including marching, advancing and standing grenadiers, together with an officer. It was designed to complement HäT's other French infantry sets and greatly expands the number of elite-company poses available for building complete battalions.

line drawings

test sprue

A typical French line infantry battalion included one grenadier company alongside its fusilier and voltigeur companies. The grenadiers were the battalion’s senior elite troops, while the voltigeurs specialised more in skirmishing and light-infantry duties.