I've previously posted some bands which I've scratch built, but wanted to have a band inspired by this picture of the 4th Dragoons from 1813. Only the 2nd and 7th Dragoons were at Waterloo (many more regiments were with Grouchy). I thought
that if the 4th could still have a band in 1813, why not the 7th in 1815? Well, no doubt you will tell me that this would have been impossible, but the temptation
was too much so here is my band.
Before showing it, I've done some research and two things spring to mind: first, some Dragoon bands clearly wore Grecian helmets and others bicornes. I've gone with the bicornes. Secondly, it's worth thinking about the instruments played by the musicians. This is taken from Historex:
For the English speakers among us, clearly the 'Chinese Hat' is a Jingling Johnnie. Also note the absence of a kettle drummer and the presence of a Cais Claire - this looks thoroughly uncomfortable for the horse!
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| Cais Claire |
The trombone with an animal head seems to have been popular: is it a duck?!
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| Hussar band |
Here is an original Serpent - it's a shame no one plays these any more in orchestras. The issue of self-protection for bands seems to be an issue. I suppose that if you failed to draw your sword in time you could wrap the Serpent around an unwary Prussian's head.
This Bassoon looks more familiar, but playing it at the trot must have been testing.
Finally, did the Band act as stretcher bearers, as in modern armies, or were the bandsmen also trumpeters?
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| The officer at the front is Franznap with a W1815 dismounted dragoon head |
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| Jingling Johnnie, Triangle and drum |
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| Trombones |
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| Hautbois |
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| Serpents and bassoons at the back |
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| Cymbalist |
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| French horn at the back |
