Thanks for the answer.

I understand the darkening aspect.

I was just surprised to see such a difference. On one hand for the cannon, I got used to all black from my time in London, when the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery left Ordannce Hill, they often went past my flat (though I guess their all black leather was for their formal status). For whatever reason, I just thought that train would have used more natural leather. Thus, the combination surprised me.

Which leads me to the question:why the difference for the nearside items (bridle, collar and head piece) are in black leather and the off side in natural leather? Is it for the rider's benefit or handlng?

Do you know whether other armies were the same as the French?

Again, many thanks for your answer. - R