BR36222 French Imperial Guard Standing at Support

Members of the French Old Guard were selected based on physical traits, most notably their height which had to be an above average minimum of at least 5 feet 10 inches tall. Indeed, the imposing stature of these battle-hardened veterans made these men the shock troops of their day. Highly trained in hand-to-hand combat and advanced bayonet techniques, the grenadiers earned a most fearsome reputation. The bayonet was often used once the single shot musket was fired. Despite its almost primitive simplicity, the bayonet was difficult to use. Its weight would throw off the weapon’s natural balance when aiming and it interfered with efficient re-loading. Of course, being at the pointy end of this formidable weapon would cause many an otherwise brave soldier to recoil.

Scale 1/30.