Posted by Zed1 on 07 Jan 2021, 22:26
The answer is: it depends. The diamond shaped plates were issued after the Bardin regulations went into place. But: the distribution and production system was not ment to replace uniforms of an entire nation's army with new clothing and equipment within a few months. The Bardin decree went into force late January 1812, but it lacked the tariffs, which followed in August 1812 - but that did not include the new specifics for all regimental uniforms, especially not the handout of the needed documentations for the regiments. So for the bulk of the French army, the new uniforms were not in use before late 1813. You would find loads of Pre-Bardin uniforms in the French army until Napoleon's abdication, even some at Waterloo.