Improvements in the design of firearms during the wars of the 17th Century (see Uniformology Book 31) led to experiments with different formations, weapons, etc. By the end of the Century there were only four main formations left, the cavalry legere, dragoons, the carabiniers and the hussars or true light cavalry. We confine the subject of this book to the uniforms of the cavalry legere and carabiniers. Cavalry legere is a quite misleading term, in French it translates to light cavalry, but truly it is what we would now refer to as heavy cavalry designed for mounted combat against enemy cavalry and infantry formations. In coming titles we will examine the dragoons and the hussars and light cavalry separately.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The uniforms of the French Heavy Cavalry of this period is one of the most difficult and confusing of all subjects in the study of the history of the military uniform. Regimental names often changed when commanders were killed or replaced. Uniforms changed as well as lace patterns which were often the only identifying feature of a regiment. We have, from the study of the actual regulations illustrated these changes in the period from 1753-1761 along with names of the regiments which changed as well.

Our next book in the series will be devoted to the Dragoon Regiments and the third will cover the hussars and volunteer cavalry.