General Staff Officer, War of 1812

Not suitable for children under 14 years – Unpainted and unassembled kit

Staff officers wore dark blue (single- or double-breasted) swallow-tailed coats. This garment featured two shoulder boards (gold or silver) indicating rank, and gold buttons; as noted in the description of the reference image, thin black braids adorned the chest and sleeves. White or off-white (buff) trousers were standard. These were often worn with high cavalry boots, although, depending on the situation, generals could wear standard civilian trousers. The typical hat was a tall black bicorne with a black cockade or a plume to indicate rank. Some generals wore simpler hats, but the bicorne was generally more common during the period. Following European styles, generals also wore diagonal sashes across the chest, often crimson or blue, though primarily for ceremonial purposes.

Regarding armament, senior U.S. officers were equipped with sabres or short swords, with the sabre being the most common weapon. A commander’s sabre typically had a straight blade, while the hilt was often ornamental, made of brass or steel. Like their British counterparts, American officers also carried pistols for personal defense. These were generally flintlock, muzzle-loading, smoothbore firearms.

(Excerpt from the guide sheets included in the assembly kit)