Urgent Uniform Info

[Mayhoof]

Hello All,

Us (NO) in our soc. are having a discussion on the color of the spanish Naval Uniforms.
We all have googled and yahooed and have not came up with anything other tahn Nepolo. time colors.

On Hor. Horn. Spansih Officers were in Black and Red (Nepol. Era)
One group says Blue and White
And fianlly the last group say the tan outfits in the game.

If someone could help clear this delimia up we would raise a cheer in your Honor

Thanks
Mayhoof

[Mad Jack Flint]

You will likely find, as has been mentioned before in similar threads, that there were no standard Naval Officers uniforms, at least among the Nations dealt with in the game, prior to the 1740's/50's. Being from wealthy families, officers would dress to reflect their priviliged backgrounds.

If you wanted to create the right sort of feel for the Spanish however, then I'd say any combination of Black or Dark Blue coats, with red, orange or tan secondary colours, gold trim, red waistbands, together with some suitably oppulent frills and lace, would be a fair approximation.
Just to add more options, Theres also the point that uniform colours often changed to reflect climate, for example, light tan or white uniforms for hot conditions as you'd expect to find in the Caribbean region. This is a tendency which still exists in the modern age, with lighter coloured 'Summer' uniforms replacing the standard darker uniform colours when serving in hot countries.

These are just my estimates though. You'll likely have to settle for a suitable looking combination yourself and just hope everyone else in your society agrees.

[Mayhoof]

Mad Jack Flint,

Thank you for the very informative information.

Tripple Huray. I shall name a ship of good taste after You

Mayhoof

[WilliamBleddyn]

Originally Posted by Mad Jack Flint Theres also the point that uniform colours often changed to reflect climate, for example, light tan or white uniforms for hot conditions as you'd expect to find in the Caribbean region. This is a tendency which still exists in the modern age

It is actually a tendency that only exists in the modern age. Uniform by theater was only implemented in the 20th century.

I am willing to see examples of earlier of course if they do indeed exist, always like to learn someting new

(Keep in mind the old stories of colonial forces often talk of dreadul conditions for which their European intended uniforms did not suit.. RN Captains sweating their bits off in dark blue broadcloath under an Indian Ocean sun for example.)

[cwaugh]

Early Spanish uniforms were blue and red, same colors as French, and existed around 1700. No official British uniform existed in 1720; not until 1742 or some such.

Note that the designs (cut/pattern) of uniforms for characters are all roughly Napoleonic - i.e. not really seen until 1800 time frame.

[Mad Jack Flint]

Originally Posted by WilliamBleddyn It is actually a tendency that only exists in the modern age. Uniform by theater was only implemented in the 20th century. I am willing to see examples of earlier of course if they do indeed exist, always like to learn someting new (Keep in mind the old stories of colonial forces often talk of dreadul conditions for which their European intended uniforms did not suit.. RN Captains sweating their bits off in dark blue broadcloath under an Indian Ocean sun for example.)

I can think of examples from the Napoleonic era, maybe not the 1720's. Napoleons Currasier had a summer uniform, as did British Marines I think. In the movie 'Master and Commander' you might notice the Marines aboard ship wearing a white uniform when they reach the Galapagos islands.

And Mayhoof, I'm honored you'd like to name a ship after me, but please leave out the 'Mad' part of my name...It's a nickname that's stayed with me since reform school. :P

[GauwynVorec]

I've seen a number of paintings and articles describing the British uniform "standards" or common style (at least in terms of coloring). The exact fabric and format they used (cuffs, no cuffs, flared, not flared, etc) varied... but generally speaking most Officers looks relatively similar until the official uniform selection in 1748.

Here is a short little blurb:

The Royal Navy first introduced uniform for officers in 1748. This was at the request of the officers themselves; a group of them from Wills Coffee House in London petitioned King George II and a parade of samples prepared by the officers was held for the King to choose. Up till then a grey coat and small clothes or combinations of red and blue had been popular, but the King chose one version with white and blue colours. Legend has it that the King saw the Duchess of Richmond riding in a habit of these colours and decided on them rather than any of the proposed the samples. Unlike most legends this may be true; the Duchess did own such a riding habit and the source of the story is her husband the Duke, then First Lord of the Admiralty. Whatever the origin, blue and white it has been ever since (1) in the Royal Navy's uniforms - and just as well too, for the French and Spanish both chose red and blue for their navies and there would have been awful confusion.