Grenadier companies took their name from the hand grenade. In the late 1600s each battalion picked its biggest, steadiest men to throw iron grenades, lit by a fuse, at close quarters. A broad-brimmed hat got in the way when a man slung his musket over his shoulder to throw, so grenadiers took to tall brimless caps. By the 1750s grenades were rarely used in the field, but the grenadier company remained as the battalion's elite, posted on the right of the line. Regulations still called for an embroidered cloth mitre cap. Highland grenadiers were already wearing fur caps, years before a 1768 warrant made bearskins standard for grenadiers across the army.

This grenadier stands square on guard, holding his musket across his chest with the fixed bayonet angled up and outward. He wears the black fur cap with its red front and a red coat with blue lapels and cuffs edged in white lace. A linen haversack hangs on its strap at his side. Below are the belted plaid, a leather sporran, red-and-white diced hose with red garters, and buckled shoes. To show a grenadier company holding its ground, set him beside 42nd Grenadier Standing Alert and 42nd Grenadier Standing Tearing Cartridge. Put 42nd Grenadier Officer Firing Pistol out in front.

W. Britain model 16090. 1/30 scale (approximately 60mm), matte-painted metal. Single foot figure on a sculpted groundwork base. Boxed.