Unit of Zachodni
Autorament Cudzoziemski

Uniform and weapons

The unit of Zachodni Autorament Cudzoziemski is an attempt to reconstruct infantry units which took part in 17th century battles. Also known as regiments, these units consisted of musketeers and pikemen. Infantrymen dressed after the fashion of Western Europe. For the time being our group focuses on reconstruction of musketeer formation but in the future we are going to include pikemen as well.

Every member of the unit is equipped with a black-powder musket with the matchlock and a bandolier – a broad leather pocketed belt for holding charges (8-14). The musket with a matchlock was a common 17th century weapon, used both in Poland and in other countries, e.g. Germany. Muzzle-loaded with black powder and a lead ball, it was ignited with a glowing fuse located in a hammer. Our muskets are shorter so there is no need for furkets. Apart from charges, the bandolier also contained a bag for oakum, a ball fixed to the belt’s lower end, an oiler, spare fuses and a powder box.

We use rapiers, broadswords and sometimes sabres as side arms.

Musketeer’s uniform consists of:

• a felt hat (any colour)
• a woollen wams (black with blue revers)
• woollen knee breeches (black with blue revers)
• a linen shirt
• linen pants
• cloth or knitted stockings with garters
• leather boots (bootees or knee-high boots), black, red, yellow or of natural colour
• a leather belt
• a linen, cotton or woollen bag

Additionally, a musketeer may have:

• a morion helmet, monterocaps or a beret/li>
• a coat
• a snapsack or another type of bag used at the time

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•