"Uniforms of Russian cavalry generals" Topic

How were the generals of Russian cavalry divisions dressed during the 1812 campaign? Did they wear the standard dress of Russian generals or did their costume reflect the dress of the troops they commanded?

While I am no expert on Russian Napoleonic uniforms, I think they had a lot of leeway – Platov, for example, was sufficiently original and colourful in his uniform choices that he actually was responsible for a woman's fashion in the UK known as the Platoff

link

They certainly could wear the uniforms of the regiments they were commanding – for example, Grand Duke Constatine often wore the uniform of the Chevalier-Garde; when generals wore regimental uniforms of heavy cavalry they had a white helmet crest

link

(he is about halfway down the page)

A good question, for which I also seek answers. Briefly, regimental uniform with silver or gold trim and all white plumes (unlike infantry generals who had black/orange at the bottom of plumes).

I likewise am interested in this answer. I have a mounted Russian cavalry officer wearing the Russian heavy cavalry helmet and I wish to make him a Russian cavalry general.

God bless,
John T.

Not specific to the 1812 campaign, but, you can have a look at a collection of portraits of Russian Generals Of The Napoleonic Wars Period.

Druzhina
Illustrations of Soldiers

With the exception of the notoriously freewheeling Cossack commanders, Russian cavalry generals wore the 'General's Uniform' precisely because it distinguished them from lower-ranking "field officers"--colonels and below--who wore the 'regimental' uniform of their unit. ADCs to generals tended to be 'seconded' from various Guard and other senior (high status) cavalry units, and thus wore their 'home' regimentals, typically with only aiguillettes (silver or gold) to distinguish them as ADCs.

Hmmmm. So far the evidence seems to be contradictory, but I think Greystreak makes a good point. I've looked at all the images of Russian generals on Druzhina's link and all (except those associated with Cossacks) are portrayed in either a "general's uniform" (the vast majority) or in a hussar-type uniform. There is, however, no indication if those depicted as hussars wore that uniform while commanding a division.

It remains a mystery, so I intend to do what looks best. I don't expect to get any flak from others because, alas, I'm forced to play solo. I only need to please myself.

From Parkhaev 1812 postcards

Cavalry General link

Hussar cavalry General link

Senior Aide link

Many thanks, Essling. Those are very helpful.

Prince, are the red sashes an integral part of a general uniform. I notice both the standard general outfit and the hussar outfit feature it.

No the sash is not 'integral' to the uniform – it is an 'award' – recognition of bravery, service, etc. – conferred on an individual. A red sash could be one of several orders, see: link

Interesting.

It looks as if there were a lot Orders of St Andrew and Orders of St Alexander Nevsky amongst that lot.

Although the link doesn't show a sash for the Order of St George, the portrait of Kutusov shows a sash in the colours and pattern of that Order.

On the link posted by Frederick, fairly near to the picture of Constantine, there's a scene of a parade/review which seems to be a photograph, but the date is given as 1836. Is this simply a typographical error for "1863"? Can anyone more familiar with Russian history than I clarify this matter (since this date seems far too early for a photograph or calotype of the quality shown).

On the link posted by Frederick, fairly near to the picture of Constantine, there's a scene of a parade/review which seems to be a photograph, but the date is given as 1836. Is this simply a typographical error for "1863"? Can anyone more familiar with Russian history than I clarify this matter (since this date seems far too early for a photograph or calotype of the quality shown).

On regiment.ru/reg/I/B/2/7.htm it is No. 4 and is dated 25/03/1896.

Druzhina
Illustrations of Soldiers