The towering fur cap began as a practical answer to a forgotten weapon. Grenadiers were originally the men who threw grenades — and to do it they had to sling their muskets across the back and hurl with both hands free, which a broad-brimmed hat made awkward. So grenadiers were given brimless caps instead, and over time these grew into the tall fur bearskin. The grenade itself faded from use, but the cap stayed, because it did something else just as valuable: it made big men look like giants and marked them as the army's chosen shock troops. By Napoleon's day the bearskin was pure prestige — the unmistakable badge of the Grenadiers of the Guard.

The five-figure set is the ceremonial front of the Guard — an officer, two bearded sapeurs with their axes and aprons, and two drummers, in white greatcoats and the tall bearskins. It leads the head of a Guard column in any French diorama. Form it up with the Grenadiers of the Guard, Head of Column, link it to the marching ranks of French Grenadiers of the Guard, and bring up the colours with the French Imperial Guard Grenadiers and their eagle.

Tradition of London model N1B. 54mm, white metal, hand-painted in gloss enamel. Five-figure set — an officer, two sapeurs, and two drummers. Supplied in the Tradition Classic Red Box. Allow 2–3 weeks delivery.