Label from the Grenadier Bearskin

Exhibit of the Month 6 / 2017

Label from the Grenadier Bearskin
300 years since the birth of Maria Theresa

Simple pressed brass label from the grenadiers of the army of Maria Theresa. The label is decorated with the imperial eagle, flanked by the monograms of Emperor Joseph II and Queen Maria Theresa. Below the eagle are depicted the so-called military trophies (cannons, drums, etc.).

Grenadiers were part of the elite infantry in the 18th century. They were selected from the tallest and most experienced soldiers. Their name comes from the late 17th and early 18th centuries when these soldiers were armed not only with firearms and cold weapons but also with hand grenades. However, during the 18th century, they lost grenades from their armament. Nevertheless, their uniform referred to this weapon. Instead of a tricorn hat, which would hinder throwing a grenade, they wore tall fur hats, known as bear skins, and on their belts, they carried a brass cylindrical container originally intended for a burning match to ignite the fuse of a grenade.

The label from the collections of the Regional Museum in Most can be well dated due to the defined period of Joseph's co-regency with his mother Maria Theresa. It was therefore created sometime between the years 1765 – 1780.