Habit of a Rascian Tolpatch in 1742

by Thomas Jefferys

The fine plate, printed by Thomas Jefferys in London in 1742, gives insight into the life of the Rascians—Serbs and South Slavs who acted as the tough “Tolpatch” irregulars. In contrast to the common uniform worn by the line troops of Western Europe, this “Habit” represents an interesting combination of useful leatherwork, bulky wool clothing, and unique headdress meant for the rough terrain of the Military Frontier.

The skills of the artist show the texture of various elements in the soldier’s outfit, ranging from the useful composition of his tunic to the particular weapons of the Balkan guerrilla fighter. More than being a mere costume depiction, this illustration is a valuable record of the cultural blend in the eastern borderlands of the Holy Roman Empire of the second half of the eighteenth century.