Grenadiers of the Foot Guards in Full Dress, 1812

Aquatint by J C Stadler after Charles Hamilton Smith, 1812.

Grenadiers were originally special assault troops who threw grenades (iron balls filled with gunpowder) at the enemy, as well as using muskets. In theory they were chosen for their height and strength, but in reality they were usually selected from veterans and more experienced soldiers.

From Charles Hamilton Smith's 'Costumes of the Army of the British Empire, according to the last regulations 1812', published by Colnaghi and Company, 1812-1815.