Gardes Francaises and Gardes Suisse info for 1690s

[julesav]

Hi Guys

I'm just wondering about using some Venexia Miniatures I have for the French & Swiss Gardes.

However I seem to remember that their pike may have worn body armour, tassets and even 'classical' helmets during this period? Can anyone help with confirming or denying these details.

Also I need to know whether the Garde units should have grenadier companies?

Cheers

Jules

[Clibinarium]

Long story short there's good illustrations of the Francaises from a 1696 drill book by Giffart;
http://warsoflouisxiv.blogspot.co.uk/20 ... c1696.html

In it can be seen pikemen in breast and backplate, but not helmets or tassets. Grenadiers are very similar to the musketeers, but carry grenade pouches. Not sure off-hand about the composition of grenadier companies.
I've seen Mark Allen's work illustrate the Suisses still in the classical helmet, but not tassets. They appear to have been generally ditched before 1690, possibly before 1680.