Black belts, including those for packs, were used in 1813 because they were cheaper to produce. Herbert Knotel has portrayed one of the naval artilleryman employed as infantry in 1813 with black cross belts and black pack belts. They may have been in a mix of the two.

The naval artillerymen that were sent to the Grande Armee in 1813 not only formed four big infantry regiments but some were used as cadremen for eight companies of foot artillery and a further four hundred went to the Guard artillery.

They were issued dark blue artillery overcoats and that, as well as their steady performance under fire at Lutzen, gave the impression to the allies that they were Guard infantry.

Sincerely,
K