Shako plate for Artillery à pied model 1812
Plaque de shako d’artillerie, modèle 1812.
Description
French shako plate, Model 1812 type, Artillery (Artillerie à pied), crowned Imperial eagle above crossed cannon barrels, brass, First Empire pattern.
Provenance
Artillery regiment (Artillerie à pied) 1812-1815
History & Context
The Bardin Regulations of 1812 formed part of Napoleon’s effort to standardise the dress, equipment and appearance of the Imperial Army. Named after Colonel Étienne-Alexandre Bardin, they introduced detailed specifications for uniforms, headgear, distinctions and insignia across the different arms of service. Among the most recognisable changes were revised shako forms and plates, with designs adapted to identify particular branches. Artillery plates commonly incorporated crossed cannon barrels beneath the crowned Imperial eagle, while other branches used their own symbols or regimental numbers. Although implementation varied, the Bardin system influenced French military appearance during the final years of the First Empire.