Fig. 1 (left)
2nd Lieutenant, Infantry of the Line, new uniform model 1848

The new darkblue uniform (model 1848) was not worn by all soldiers until late 1849. In 1848 only officers, who had to buy it by theirselves, were equiped with the new issue. After the battle of Schleswig (23rd April 1848) where Danish officers were easily shot by enemy snipers because of their distinctive darkblue, all officers had to change to the old red coat until all soldiers were provided with the new tunic.

Fig. 2 (right)
Private, 1st Regiment of Artillery

Darkblue was the "colour-of-branch" for the Danish artillery since early 18th century. During the 1st Slesvig War the new field cap was widely used instead of the heavy czako.

Drawings by Jan Schlürmann