Worn for War: Louis XV

 Uniforms & Armour 

A coat and waistcoat belonging to an infantry officer in the 1740's. Considering the time period, this could have been worn during the War of the Austrian Succession. The colour must have been a nightmare to maintain since travel in the military was usually done on horseback or down muddy or dusty roads. Photo credit: Fanny Reynaud at the Musée de l'aimée. 

These epaulettes belonged to a colonel in the army of Louis XV. Like today's versions, these would have adorned the shoulders of the officer. These were made from golden thread. Photo credit: Emilie Cambier at the Musée de l'Armée

The vest below belonged to a carabiner and is estimated to have been created between 1720-1762. It is remarkably well-preserved and has been lavishly adorned with 14 clusters of embroidery (in rows of three) on either side of the opening. The same embroidery pattern has been replicated on the pockets. The vest belongs to the Musée l'Armée and the photograph below was taken by Emilie Cambier.

This leather pouch (or giberne) belonged to a French naval officer in the 1740's. Its purpose was to hold cartridges; it is made of reddish leather with golden embroidery - note the fleur-de-lys. Photo credit: Emilie Cambier at the Musée de l'Armée

Weaponry 

Created in the 1730's the lack of more intricate decoration shows that this weapon was intended to be used as just that - a lethal weapon. The man who wielded it was a French cavalryman 

Sold by Christie's, this short-sword was made for a member of the French royal household, although it is not specified which one. The sword is delicately adorned with hunting scenes, including a fox chasing a hare and a dog harassing a bull. Three gold-inlaid fleur-de-lys can also be found; the sheath was originally covered in snakeskin. It is estimated that the sword was made between 1750-75.

Created by Jalabert-Lamotte - a favourite amongst the French royal family - this pair of flintlock pistols are from 1740. This appears to have been made for someone wealthy - likely a member of the higher aristocracy. Rather than the usual metal the trigger, trigger guards and hammers are all made of silver. An image of the goddess Minerva adorn the butt caps while the hammers are sea monsters.

This sabre belonged to a grenadier in the French Regiment. It was created during the last years of Louis XV's reign, having been dated to 1767. Photo credit: Emilie Cambier.

This partisan was made in France during the reign of Louis XV. Unlike the usual solar symbol of his predecessor, this one displays two roaring lions - but maintained the fleur-de-lys of France.

At first glance there is nothing particularly special about this pistol. However, its history tells a different story. It was made in 1731 by Pierre Girard for a guardsman in the king's bodyguard. Interestingly, it is marked "C. de Noailles" and has a sun etched into it.

Accessories 

Another piece by the Musée l'Armée, this saddle drape was the personal property of the Duc de Chevreuse, who served as colonel general of the Dragoons. It is another piece from the latter part of the reign of Louis XV, as it dates from 1763-71.

While not made for war, this is a good example of how ornate powder flasks could be during this period in time. This one was made for a hunting pistol in 1730's France.