Hat and uniform jacket of an officer of the 8th Line Infantry Regiment of the Duchy of Warsaw

Hat and uniform jacket of an officer of the 8th Line Infantry Regiment of the Duchy of Warsaw, 1809-1815.  

The unit was stationed in Kalisz. Bicorn-type hat made of black felt. A silver band with a crimson stripe in the middle is sewn onto the front brim, with a button bearing the regiment number “8” at its end. Under the band, at the midpoint of its length, is a silver pleated cockade. Two narrow galloons made of metallic thread on each side of the cockade. Tassels made of silver bullion in both corners of the hat. The rear brim is larger, stiffened with two black bands. Inside, a wide, damaged light-colored leather band; the lining is partially preserved.  

Front dimensions: height 21 cm, width 45 cm;

back dimensions: height 32 cm.

The jacket is high-cut in the style of a tailcoat, made of navy blue cloth, fastened with six brass eyes and hooks. Red, high standing collar, fastened with three brass hooks, lined with black material on the underside. Red cloth lapels on the chest, each with seven brass buttons bearing the number “8” and remnants of silver plating. The top button is spaced further from the remaining five in the row. Long sleeves with red cuffs, each with two buttons. A third button is above the cuff. On the shoulders, one button each (smaller than the others) with the regiment number “8” and silver galloon straps on a red cloth backing. Two internal pockets in the two tails, which are lined with red cloth. Four buttons with the regiment number “8” at waist height on the back. Four more buttons with the regiment number “8” lower at waist height. Below, at pocket height on the outside, simulated scalloped flaps trimmed with red thread and decorated with two buttons bearing the number “8”. Further down, four silver-gold grenadier bombs are embroidered on two wide red cloth bands, two per tail. Buttons with the regiment number “8” on the uniform come in three sizes. White linen lining, quilted on the chest, soiled, red. The jacket shows numerous traces of repairs, stitching, and moth damage.  

Dimensions: front length 46 cm, back length 88 cm, tail length 47 cm, width 42 cm, collar height 8 cm.

Ownership: Aldona and Tadeusz Zysk, Poznań.