Ok, I have a completely pointless question that I can't seem to find the answer to.
I'm creating a model (out of Legos) of British Troops from the Revolutionary War. They each have a little gun. My question is, does it matter which side of their body they hold it on? Left or Right?
Was this something dictated by regulations? Or was it just up to each soldier depending on which hand they were dominant in?
I'm just trying to be accurate when setting them up. And yes, I realize no one will ever notice this detail, but for some reason I feel compelled to get it right.
And in case it gives anyone motivation, it is a Christmas present for my wife. I'm giving her a fully armed battalion to remind her of my love.
u/TheFrenchHistorian has mentioned this already, but muskets were designed, and the British 1764 manual of arms enforced firing from the soldier's right side.
According to the 1764 Manual of Exercise, at the position of "Shoulder firelocks", the musket would have been held in the left hand, by the butt, about waist level- with stock of the musket resting against the left shoulder. There are a few other positions for carrying a musket in the manual, but the position of "Shoulder firelocks" would be the most common (and the one done at parades, inspections, etc.).
(Source: The Manual Exercise of 1764, and me having done it as a reenactor many, many times)
Here's a good video of the interpreters at Old Fort Niagara explaining it (It's a FB video).