Musketeer Research:Uniforms

Classic Musketeer

The Musketeer first came into fame under King Louis XIII of France. He kept a company as his personal guard and they were the inspiration of Alexander Dumas' series of novels. The most famous of which is "The Three Musketeers". True to their name, Musketeers were excellent shots. Unfortunately the Musket had to be reloaded each time it was fired. This made the Musket a limited weapon if ranks were over run and combat turned hand to hand. Due to this, survival for the Musketeer depended on being an excellent swordsmen as well. Today, those who don the raiment of the Musketeer invoke an image of the finest qualities in all men; Gallant, brave, chivalrous, and debonaire.

The Man in the Iron Mask Musketeer

This dashing outfit is sure to make the ladies swoon. Patented after the Uniform of a French Musketeer during the reign of King Lois XIV, this version features only 2 changes from the original, those being the color and front cross size. All other detail remains the same. Although blue is the traditional color for the French Musketeers, black makes for more striking contrasts. 

 Louis XIV Musketeer

After the death of Louis XIII, his son, (XIV), made some changes. One of which was to redesign the uniform of his musketeers. The hem was lengthened and wings & collar were added to include fashionable features of the time. This tabard could be worn with either a dandy collar shirt or a Jabot, which was the incoming fashion. This is the actual uniform worn by Musketeer's during King Louis XIV's reign.

Musketeer Officers Uniform

Leiutenants Uniform

Captains Uniform

When King Louis XIV became King of France, he instituted many changes to the look of his countries military. The Kings Musketeers, his personal guard, were of particular focus for king Louis. He wanted to improve and update their dress in keeping with the fashion of the times. In lieu of the Fencing vest, Officers in the Kings Musketeers wore frock coats to denote rank. Lieutenants wore a blue coat with red cuff and lining. Captains wore all blue. Both were trimmed in silver. Another unique feature was the triple vented backs of these coats, typically was the style of gentry frocks alone in the 16th century. The Full version of this uniform sports the frock coat, Vest and pant matching the cuff, & white shirt with cravat.. All though the Musketeer tabard was the standard fare for the enlisted men, officers would wear them from time to time over their frocks. There are a few schools of thought as to why, but the one that makes the most sense is that in a battle, the officers would be harder to target among the ranks. Both coats are expertly tailored with suit fronts, shoulder pads, and functional pockets. (please note: there is no left breast insignia on any of the officer coats)

Musketeer Rapier

Musketeer rapier and sword has a history behind it that tells the tale of the three musketeers. Musketeers trusty companion was the Musketeer sword. They were masters of swordplay and sword fighting to defend the king and queen. Many sword enthusiasts have the Musketeer sword as part of their medieval collection from the Middle Ages. Dark Knight Armoury has Musketeer swords can be used for display or for battle re-enactments, each reproduction is created to the specifications from the originals. Our Musketeer rapiers that are functional are made from quality steel and can withstand a Musketeer sword fight. Other rapiers are purely decorative with attention to detail and intricated designs giving your home or office the perfect decor. All our Musketeer swords and Musketeer rapiers are expertly hand-crafted and authentic replicas.

Bibliography

Authentic Wardrobe  (c) 1989 - 2011

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