ARME BLANCHE

Drapeaux of the French Army

1804-15

Line Cavalry Regiments

Images Added July 2008

Line Cavalry Standards, 1804-12

The Line Cavalry Regiments of 1804

The cavalry regiments of the French Army received new standards when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor in 1804. The basic design of the new cavalry standards was the same as that of the new infantry colors, with the dedication from the Emperor on the obverse. Dragoon regiments received tailed guidons of the pattern that had long been traditional for that branch of the cavalry. The basis of issue was one standard per squadron; all standards within the regiment were identical except for the squadron number on the reverse. The 1804 standards were 60cm square, made of oiled silk, and carried on a staff surmounted by a gilded bronze eagle with spread wings. This was actually the primary standard of the regiment, and it was common for the Eagle to be carried in action with no flag attached to the staff.
 

1st Carabiniers          Left: 4th Cuirassiers
 

4th Dragoons
 

Left: 3rd Hussars          Right: 9th Chasseurs-on-Horse
 

The Line Cavalry Regiments of 1815

The Eagles and standards issued to the line cavalry of the French Army after Napoleon's escape from Elba and return to France were of a much simpler design than previous patterns. The inscriptions were the same as those of the 1812 colors, but now there was only a narrow ornamental border with no insignia. For cavalry regiments, the basic design was the same for all regiments: 60cm square, fringed, with the dedication from the Emperor on the obverse and battle honors. if any, on the reverse. These Eagles and colors of the Hundred Days were destroyed after the second restoration of the Bourbons and the reorganization of the French Army.
 

1st Carabiniers
 

Left: 10th Cuirassiers                    Right: 12th Dragoons
 

7th Hussars
 

Left: 6th Chasseurs-on-Horse                    Right: 2nd Lancers

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