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Originally Posted by Richard G
To return to the fashionable aspect - I think we need to consider the number of volunteer and militia units there were in the UK during the Napoleonic wars. Their purpose was home defence in the event of an invasion and a certain amount of internal peace-keeping. They were not expected to be sent abroad. For most of the wars these out-numbered the regular army.
My point is that officering these units was a patriotic and fashionable thing to do, not even requiring military experience, and without the fear of imminent combat there was ample opportunity for flamboyance and a peacockery.
Regards
Richard
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Well noted Richard...…….most of these guys were high end gentry, and all manner of well heeled station. It seems a lot like the 'hunting sword' theme of court and dress swords, a lot of embellishment and fashion in hilts, blades and scabbards. All about impression and status. Kinda the 'Beau Brummel' syndrome I guess
