Army of the Blue King

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The Army of the Blue King

Maximillian II Emanuel was born on July 11, 1662. He was the ruler of Bavaria and an elector or Kürfurst of the Holy Roman Empire that then included the largest portion of the German States and Austria.
He began his illustrious military career at a youthful age and served ably in the defense of Vienna from the Turkish invasion of 1683. His exploits led to his marriage to Maria Antonia the daughter of Leopold I, the Holy Roman Emperor. In 1688 he led the allied troops against the Turks to recapture Belgrade.
He led his troops in the War of the Grand Alliance on the side of the Hapsburgs and was then appointed Governor of the Spanish Netherlands. Maria Antonia died in 1692. In 1694 he married the daughter of Jan III Sisisky the elected King of Poland.
Maximillian was quite ambitious and had a plan to have his family; the Wittelsbachs replace the Habsburgs as Holy Roman Emperors. To this end he allied himself with France against the Habsburgs but his plans were dashed with the French defeat at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. As punishment his rule was ended and his family held in captivity by the Austrians. Bavaria was divided between the Palitinate and Austria and the Bavarian people suffered under Austrian occupation.
After the treaty of Utrecht in 1713 Maximillian Emmanuel was legally restored to his throne and ruled until his death in 1729. The Wittlesbach line continued its rule of Bavaria until the end of World War One.

BK-1

Elector Maximillian Emmanuel of Bavaria- 1662-1729

The Duke as he might have appeared early in his military career. Uniforms were not standardized at this time but superior officers of the army traditionally wore red jackets.
BK-2

Pikeman 1786

The Duke chose his favorite color- a medium blue as the main color for uniforms of his troops. The cut of the uniform of the pikeman is like that of nearly all late 17th Century European countries. As the musket was still a relatively new weapon most armies still had separate units of pikemen and musketeers.
BK-3

Recruit 1682-1694

This soldier is a recruit or levy. He is armed with a late matchlock musket and carries a length of match cord suspended from his bandolier along with pre-measured powder charges in separate containers often referred to as “the twelve apostles”. In addition to the musket he is armed with a plug bayonet that transformed the musket into a short pike.
BK-4

Musketeer 1682

The musketeer like the pikeman in plate two is a professional soldier. He carries his musket charges in a more modern cartridge box and is armed with a sword. The musketeers were trained in volley fire and operated in conjunction with the pikemen forming the nucleus of the professional army. He wears a grey jacket with blue facings.
BK-5

Musketeer 1687

While the weaponry has changed little since his 1682 counterpart in the previous plate the uniform has become more refined. This soldier has a blue jacket with pink facings and white buttonhole lace. This is not only a reflection of changes in the military uniform but also an increase in the wealth and status of his country and ruler.
Bk-6

Musketeer 1694-1720

The musketeer here wears an overcoat but is little different from plate 5
BK-7

Corporal 1685

The corporal or non-commissioned officer in this plate is armed with a halberd which was used as both a badge of rank as well as a means of keeping the lines of the troops in his charge straight in battle formation.
BK-8

Fusilier Regiment "Kronprinz" 1699

This is the evolution of the more modern uniform that would change little during the 18th Century. His blue jacket is of a more trim cut than the Musketeer in plate 5. He carries the flintlock fusil that was smaller and lighter than the matchlock.
BK-9

Fusilier 1704

This plate is most significant for detailing the soldier’s trousers. And their flap pockets and buttons. He is as he would appear on a work detail.
BK-10

Corporal Regiment "Tattenbach" 1701

The corporal now is armed with a flintlock musket and short socket bayonet. He still carries a full sized sword. His rank is indicated by the cane he carries suspended from a cord attached to one of his jacket buttons.
BK-11

Feldwebel 1720-1739

The Feldwebel or sergeant is clad in a finer uniform than the regular troops. His coat and laced waistcoat are similar to the officers but with white lace instead of silver or gold. His rank is indicated also by his cane attached to a button with a gold cord and by the pike he carries. He does not carry a musket or pouch.
BK-12

Fusilier Regiment "Seyboltsdorf" 1720-30

This soldier is clad as he would have appeared in the War of Spanish Succession. He no longer carries a sword and is armed exclusively with an early flintlock and socket bayonet. His belting is of natural leather.
BK-13

Fusilier Life Regiment 1704-1726

As a member of the Life Regiment this soldier was one of the elite of the army. His uniform is very similar to the French Garde Francaise of the same period but in Bavarian blue. He is armed with a more modern flintlock musket than his line counterpart in the previous plate. Buttoned gaiters have now replaced the hose and garters. Soldiers of this regiment were armed with the sword in addition to the musket and bayonet.
BK-14

Fusilier Life Regiment 1704-26

This is a different illustration of the same uniform as the previous plate. This solder does not carry the sword. His flat bladed socket bayonet can be seen suspended from his left hip.
BK-15

Fusilier in frock coat Regiment "Seyboltsdorf"

This soldier wears the uniform for drill. His dress blue coat has been replaced with a simple red frock coat. He carries his cartridge box, sword and musket and bayonet.
BK-16

Grenadier 1684

These are the most elite of the foot troops of the army. As they were first formed the Grenadiers wore bearskin caps with a red bag trimmed in white and a white tassel. In addition to his matchlock musket he carries a pistol and plug bayonet suspended from his waist. The metal device on his bandolier holds the lit match cord for igniting the crude grenades carried in the pouch on his right.
BK-17

Grenadier 1694

The uniform has become more refined than the previous plate. Red gaiters have replaced the hose. This rear view of our subject plainly shows the arrangement of the belts. This grenadier is preparing to throw the grenade which he has ignited with the match held in his left hand.
BK-18

Grenadier 1717

Everything about this soldier says ‘Warrior”. He is armed with a formidable array of weapons including a large bag of grenadiers, a brass mounted pistol, a flintlock musket, a socket bayonet, and a short sabre. The bearskin has been made taller to give the ranks a more intimidating appearance.
BK-19

Grenadier 1727

In the space of ten years after the previous plate elegance has replaced the more utilitarian warlike appearance. The sword is a little smaller and the waist belt is now worn under the jacket. A blue and white cord is now worn over the right shoulder with blue and white tassels. His bearskin is now even taller and the jacket is a trimmer cut.
BK-20

Grenadier 1720

This soldier is still heavily armed with musket, bayonet, pistol and saber. The waistbelt is worn under the jacket. The waistcoat is of the same color as the jacket with white lace and trim. Note the extra strap on the bandolier to support the heavy pouch that carried grenades as well as cartridges for the musket
BK-21

Grenadier 1727

This grenadier is similar to his 1720 counterpart. The cartridge box is smaller and the bandolier no longer has the extra strap. The pistol is no longer carried.
BK-22

Corporal of Grenadiers 1727

The corporal carries his cane indicating his rank. The match case of the non-commissioned officer is more of an ornament than a functional accoutrement and is gilded.
BK-23

Grenadier Officer 1727

The officer wears a long uniform jacket and long waistcoat. All is laced with silver. He wears a silver and blue sash of rank over his right shoulder. It was not uncommon as with this illustration for junior grenadier officers to carry the musket. Note that the officer’s hair is powdered white an affectation that was not done in the ranks.
BK-24

Junior Officer 1684

This officer is dressed in late 17th Century fashion. He is armed with pistol, pike and sword. During this period officers still wore red coats. Unlike the ranks of the time he wears gaiters with white metal buttons rather than hose. He also wears a black breastplate with gilded trim.
BK-25

Officer 1691

The coat has now changed to the more typical blue with profuse silver lace. This figure seems to be dressed more for parade or gala than the battlefield. He is wearing hose rather than gaiters and sports a rather outrageous wig.
BK-26

Junior Officer 1700

This officer has a silver waist sash and a heavily laced jacket. He carries a small pike and still wears a full wig.
BK-27

Senior Officer 1682-1694

This officer of the rank of major or above wears a gold laced red coat. His gold spurs and full boots and feather trimmed hat indicate his rank.
BK-28

Senior Officer 1720

The jacket is now blue laced with silver rather than gold. Note the heels of the riding boots are painted red.
BK-29

Regimental Colonel 1720

This is an officer similar to the previous plate. His blue saddlecloth and pistol holsters are heavily laced in silver. Note the high riding boots with very full knee cuffs.
BK-30

General 1694

This general officer is dressed in red and wears a huge waist sash. This uniform would be found in varying colors in most European armies of the period.
BK-31

Fifer Gala Uniform 1707

This fifer of the Life Regiment wears his full gala uniform. The heavily gold-laced jacket would be worn on ceremonial occasions only The combination of gold and silver lace on the blue jacket presents a most striking appearance.
BK-32

Drummer 1720

The drummer of a line regiment wears a blue and white livery. This is a typical musicians field uniform of the period.
BK-33

Kettle Drummer Hartischer Life Guard

The kettledrums of a cavalry regiment were tantamount to the regimental standard. Kettle Drummer uniforms were some of the most elegant of any army of the period. Of special interest is the silver and blue lace that abounds as well as the false sleeves that hang down the back. The drums themselves bear heavily laced banners with the coat of arms of Bavaria embroidered in full color.
BK-34

Hartischer Life Guard 1717

The Hartischer Life Garde was the Elector’s personal guard. They would remain in various forms until the end of the monarchy. This figure wears the standard uniform. His blue coat is faced with black and has lots of silver lace. Maximillian’s cipher is embroidered on the saddlecloth and holster covers. All of the troops of the regiment road grey horses.
BK-35

Hartischer Life Guard in cassock 1717

This member of the ranks wears the full ceremonial uniform. His standard uniform jacket has been replaced with a silver laced cassock. This uniform was worn on special occasions only. Note also that the horse’s main has been braided and a blue ribbon and bow have been attached to the tail
BK-36

Garde Carabinier 1717

The carabiner, a heavy cavalryman was second to the Hartisher in elite status. His belting is of natural leather with a red center trimmed in white.
BK-37

Carabinier Regiment "Prinz Philip" 1704-1710

This plate is most outstanding for showing the equipment of heavy cavalrymen. His valise and cartridge box can be plainly seen, as can his yellow shoulder cords that indicate his elite status. Carabiner’s were usually the most senior of the cavalry regiments.
BK-38

Grenadier a Cheval 1717

The Grenadiers a cheval were more like a mounted infantry than cavalry. They would ride into battle then dismount and fight as infantry. On occasion they could function fully as heavy cavalrymen. The grenadiers a cheval had many similarities in uniform to their foot counterparts including the Bearskin caps and match holders worn on their bandoliers.
BK-39

Cuirassier 1717

The least typical thing about this cuirassier is his hat. Most other countries equipped their cuirassiers with a metal “lobster tail” type helmet. To protect themselves from sword cuts to the head an iron “skull cap” was worn under the hat. Note also the heavy buff leather jacket worn under the cuirass.
BK-40

Cuirassier Officer 1684

The cuirassier officer wears a gray jacket. He wears the more typical “lobster tail” type helmet with adjustable nasal guard.
BK-41

Cuirassier Regiment "Arco" 1702

This soldier could have been part of nearly any army of the period. He is carrying a wheel lock carbine. He wears the “lobster tail” helmet and a heavy cloth jacket has replaced the buff leather of the earlier period.
BK-42

Dragoon Regiment "Weickel" Trumpeter 1710

Red was the predominant color for dragoons of the period- we find that both French and Austrian dragoons were clad in red. Note the white lace on the chest that is on the buttonholes on the left side only. Note also that while the jacket and saddle lace are white the braid around the top of his hat is yellow.
BK-43

Dragoon Officer 1684

This figure is quite impressive. His uniform and saddle lace are gold white the lace around the top of the hat is silver. He wears a gray jacket with a quite functions iron gorget device protecting his vulnerable throat area.
BK-44

Dragoon Regiment Monasterol 1702

A typical dragoon. His sword is a lighter pattern than that of the cuirassiers and he carries a full sized musket rather than a carbine.
BK-45

Dragoon Regiment "Santini" 1702

Another dragoon of the same period. This illustration shows the other side of the uniform and equipment.
BK-46

Hussar Officer 1688

Hussars were just coming into use and popularity during this period and wore similar uniforms in most armies. This officer is similar to his French counterparts. He wears the gold ball ornament suspended around his neck and has a leopard skin draped over his shoulder. He carries a curved oriental sabre and a mace that was as much a badge of rank as a weapon. The bridle is oriental in fashion as is his schabraque with a leopard skin seat.
BK-47

Hussar Regiment "Lidi von Borbula" 1688

The trooper is clad in as wild a fashion as the officer but slightly less ornate. A wolf skin is draped over his shoulder and his shabraque has a wolf skin seat. He is armed with a curved sabre and a wheel lock carbine.
BK-48

Buchenmeister Coporal of Artillery 1687

The artillery was one of the most important and professional parts of any army of the period. This corporal of artillery wears the gray coat with blue facings. He carries the tools he needs to maintain the guns and his intricate pike has rooster hear fittings to hold the match used to ignite and fire the cannon from a “safe” distance.

Elector Maximillian Emmanuel of Bavaria- 1662-1729

The Duke as he might have appeared early in his military career. Uniforms were not standardized at this time but superior officers of the army traditionally wore red jackets.

Pikeman 1786

Recruit 1682-1694

Musketeer 1682

Musketeer 1687

Musketeer 1694-1720

The musketeer here wears an overcoat but is little different from plate 5

Corporal 1685

The corporal or non-commissioned officer in this plate is armed with a halberd which was used as both a badge of rank as well as a means of keeping the lines of the troops in his charge straight in battle formation.

Fusilier Regiment "Kronprinz" 1699

This is the evolution of the more modern uniform that would change little during the 18th Century. His blue jacket is of a more trim cut than the Musketeer in plate 5. He carries the flintlock fusil that was smaller and lighter than the matchlock.

Fusilier 1704

This plate is most significant for detailing the soldier’s trousers. And their flap pockets and buttons. He is as he would appear on a work detail.

Corporal Regiment "Tattenbach" 1701

The corporal now is armed with a flintlock musket and short socket bayonet. He still carries a full sized sword. His rank is indicated by the cane he carries suspended from a cord attached to one of his jacket buttons.

Feldwebel 1720-1739

Fusilier Regiment "Seyboltsdorf" 1720-30

This soldier is clad as he would have appeared in the War of Spanish Succession. He no longer carries a sword and is armed exclusively with an early flintlock and socket bayonet. His belting is of natural leather.

Fusilier Life Regiment 1704-1726

Fusilier Life Regiment 1704-26

This is a different illustration of the same uniform as the previous plate. This solder does not carry the sword. His flat bladed socket bayonet can be seen suspended from his left hip.

Fusilier in frock coat Regiment "Seyboltsdorf"

This soldier wears the uniform for drill. His dress blue coat has been replaced with a simple red frock coat. He carries his cartridge box, sword and musket and bayonet.

Grenadier 1684

Grenadier 1694

The uniform has become more refined than the previous plate. Red gaiters have replaced the hose. This rear view of our subject plainly shows the arrangement of the belts. This grenadier is preparing to throw the grenade which he has ignited with the match held in his left hand.

Grenadier 1717

Everything about this soldier says ‘Warrior”. He is armed with a formidable array of weapons including a large bag of grenadiers, a brass mounted pistol, a flintlock musket, a socket bayonet, and a short sabre. The bearskin has been made taller to give the ranks a more intimidating appearance.

Grenadier 1727

Grenadier 1720

Grenadier 1727

This grenadier is similar to his 1720 counterpart. The cartridge box is smaller and the bandolier no longer has the extra strap. The pistol is no longer carried.

Corporal of Grenadiers 1727

The corporal carries his cane indicating his rank. The match case of the non-commissioned officer is more of an ornament than a functional accoutrement and is gilded.

Grenadier Officer 1727

Junior Officer 1684

This officer is dressed in late 17th Century fashion. He is armed with pistol, pike and sword. During this period officers still wore red coats. Unlike the ranks of the time he wears gaiters with white metal buttons rather than hose. He also wears a black breastplate with gilded trim.

Officer 1691

The coat has now changed to the more typical blue with profuse silver lace. This figure seems to be dressed more for parade or gala than the battlefield. He is wearing hose rather than gaiters and sports a rather outrageous wig.

Junior Officer 1700

This officer has a silver waist sash and a heavily laced jacket. He carries a small pike and still wears a full wig.

Senior Officer 1682-1694

This officer of the rank of major or above wears a gold laced red coat. His gold spurs and full boots and feather trimmed hat indicate his rank.

Senior Officer 1720

The jacket is now blue laced with silver rather than gold. Note the heels of the riding boots are painted red.

Regimental Colonel 1720

This is an officer similar to the previous plate. His blue saddlecloth and pistol holsters are heavily laced in silver. Note the high riding boots with very full knee cuffs.

General 1694

This general officer is dressed in red and wears a huge waist sash. This uniform would be found in varying colors in most European armies of the period.

Fifer Gala Uniform 1707

This fifer of the Life Regiment wears his full gala uniform. The heavily gold-laced jacket would be worn on ceremonial occasions only The combination of gold and silver lace on the blue jacket presents a most striking appearance.

Drummer 1720

The drummer of a line regiment wears a blue and white livery. This is a typical musicians field uniform of the period.

Kettle Drummer Hartischer Life Guard

Hartischer Life Guard 1717

Hartischer Life Guard in cassock 1717

This member of the ranks wears the full ceremonial uniform. His standard uniform jacket has been replaced with a silver laced cassock. This uniform was worn on special occasions only. Note also that the horse’s main has been braided and a blue ribbon and bow have been attached to the tail

Garde Carabinier 1717

The carabiner, a heavy cavalryman was second to the Hartisher in elite status. His belting is of natural leather with a red center trimmed in white.

Carabinier Regiment "Prinz Philip" 1704-1710

This plate is most outstanding for showing the equipment of heavy cavalrymen. His valise and cartridge box can be plainly seen, as can his yellow shoulder cords that indicate his elite status. Carabiner’s were usually the most senior of the cavalry regiments.

Grenadier a Cheval 1717

Cuirassier 1717

Cuirassier Officer 1684

The cuirassier officer wears a gray jacket. He wears the more typical “lobster tail” type helmet with adjustable nasal guard.

Cuirassier Regiment "Arco" 1702

This soldier could have been part of nearly any army of the period. He is carrying a wheel lock carbine. He wears the “lobster tail” helmet and a heavy cloth jacket has replaced the buff leather of the earlier period.

Dragoon Regiment "Weickel" Trumpeter 1710

Dragoon Officer 1684

This figure is quite impressive. His uniform and saddle lace are gold white the lace around the top of the hat is silver. He wears a gray jacket with a quite functions iron gorget device protecting his vulnerable throat area.

Dragoon Regiment Monasterol 1702

A typical dragoon. His sword is a lighter pattern than that of the cuirassiers and he carries a full sized musket rather than a carbine.

Dragoon Regiment "Santini" 1702

Another dragoon of the same period. This illustration shows the other side of the uniform and equipment.

Hussar Officer 1688

Hussar Regiment "Lidi von Borbula" 1688

The trooper is clad in as wild a fashion as the officer but slightly less ornate. A wolf skin is draped over his shoulder and his shabraque has a wolf skin seat. He is armed with a curved sabre and a wheel lock carbine.

Buchenmeister Coporal of Artillery 1687