Dauphin Regiment 1667 & 1673 - Montigny - 1772

Claude-Antoine Littret de Montigny (1735–1775) drew and engraved these engravings, which were colored and highlighted with gouache at the time, from the book *Military Uniforms*, which contains intaglio engravings of the uniforms of the King’s Household and all the regiments of France, as well as flags, standards, and pennants, along with the dates of their creation and various illustrations of military drills for both the cavalry and the infantry, Paris, 8vo, 1772.

- Dauphin in 1667 (Plate No. 32)
- Dauphin in 1673 (Plate No. 138)

In 1673, during the reign of Louis XIV, the term “Dauphin” referred to several distinct military units of the French royal army. The concept of a strict, regulated uniform was just beginning to become widespread in France during this period (Dutch War). Here are the details of the uniform for the two main corps bearing this name that were created or active in 1673

The Sauvebœuf Dragoons Regiment (later the Dauphin Dragoons) This regiment was raised in September 1673. In 1675, upon the death of its commander, Louis XIV assigned it to the Grand Dauphin, and the unit took the name Régiment du Dauphin Dragons.

• Tunic (uniform): Blue or red depending on the company at this very early date (dragoons traditionally wore red or blue before adopting green in the following century). [1, 2]
• Distinguishing features: As hybrid troops (mounted infantry), they wore high, flexible boots and a dragoon cap or black felt hat

. The Dauphin Regiment (Infantry) was established in 1667; this elite infantry regiment was fully engaged in the war by 1673.

• Uniform: Gray-white (the natural color of undyed wool, typical of the French infantry of the time).
• Cuffs (sleeve cuffs): Blue (the distinctive color associated with the House of the Dauphin).
• Buttons: Made of pewter or brass, arranged along the right side of the tunic.
• Hat: Black felt tricorn (which was beginning to replace the wide-brimmed hat), often edged with white or silver braid.
• Equipment: Shoulder strap and belt made of natural (or bleached) leather, holding the cartridge belt and sword. [1]

The Regiment’s Flags in 1673
The most important distinguishing mark at this time remained the flag. The regimental flags of the Dauphin Regiment featured a very specific design: [1]

• A wavy background in red, blue, and yellow.
• A large white cross in the center.
• The coat of arms of the Dauphin in the center and the unit’s official motto: “Res praestant non verba fidem” (Trust in deeds, not words).

Size: 15.5 cm x 8.5 cm