The Régiment de Steiner () was a line infantry unit of the French Royal Army, and later briefly served under the First French Republic until its disbanded in 1792 following the revolution. The regiment was one of just a few Swiss regiments remaining in the later 18th century, but its successor, the 97th Infantry Regiment would see service throughout the French Revolutionary Wars, but not the Napoleonic Wars, however it was reformed and finally disbanded after the Battle of France.
Formation
On 1 March 1752, the Régiment de Lochmann was formed in the Canton of Zürich by order of the local governor. Under this order, "A regiment is to be raised in the Canton of Zürich, of which this Swiss regiment is to be led by the Baron Lochmann". Shortly thereafter, the regiment was commissioned to contain twelve companies, of 120 men each. This new regiment became 117th in precedence. The first uniform consisted of a black tricorn with white trim and a black cockade, red tunic with silver buttons, red with black trimmed epaulettes, button flaps, dark blue small coat, turnbacks, and trousers, and long silver button lace on the small coat.
Seven Years' War
In 1755, the regiment was based at the camp in Richemont, and in 1757 was attached to the Armée d'Allemagne (Army of Germany). It was at this point where the regiment was given their first standardised uniform, which consisted of the following; 'Swiss red' collars, tunic, epaulettes, and pockets, teal trousers, turnbacks, cuffs, and jacket braid, white buttons, white best and braid, and black bicorne with white trim.
Hanover Campaign
The regiment then saw its first action at the Battle of Haastembeck, where it was the first engaged, and took part in all subsequent battles during the Hanover Campaign. In early 1758, the regiment moved back across the Rhine, and was tasked with guarding the passes across the river. On 23 June 1758, the regiment was involved in the Battle of Krefeld, and in 1759 rose to great prominence during the Battle of Minden.
1760 Campaign
During the 1760 campaign, the regiment gained much fame, notably during the Battle of Corbach and Battle of Warbourg. On 31 July, at Warbourg, the regiment fought with admirable vigour, and supported the Régiment de Jenner, against relentless attacks by the Allies. Because of their stand, the two regiments were able to delay the allies enough to cover the rest of the French Army's retreat. At the end of the battle, Colonel Lochmann was wounded and captured by the enemy.
In 1761 and 1762, the regiment would see further service in Germany, and at the end of the war in 1763 was based in Gelderland in the Dutch Republic. In 1762, a massive reorganisation of the French Army occurred as a direct result of their failure in the Seven Years' War, including a complete revamp of the uniform system. Under this experimental program, regiments were grouped into divisions for an easier uniform system. The Swiss regiments however were exempt from this programme, though the uniform was changed. The new uniform therefore became: 'Swiss red' tunic and facings, teal collars and lapels, black trimmed red epaulettes, pockets, and trim, and white small coat (no buttons), turnbacks, and trousers.
Peacetime
After returning to France after the end of the disastrous German campaigns, the regiment was based in Mézières in the Canton of Vaud, Swiss Confederation, from where it then passed to Thionville in May 1763, Valenciennes in May 1763, Bélfort in September 1764, Landau in September 1766, Bitche in June 1767, and Strasbourg in November 1767. The regiment then joined the Verberie camp in 1769, and in August the regiment was separated, with the majority moving to Maubeuge, while small detachment moved to Mézières and Rocroi, but in June 1771, when it grouped back together. In 1772, the regiment moved back to Mézières, to Bitche in April 1774, and to Huningue in October 1775. It was in this town that the regiment's new Colonel arrived, the Baron de Muralt, and the regiment was subsequently renamed as the Régiment de Muralt.
On 2 September 1775 another ordnance was published in which the uniforms changed to the following: black tricorne with white trim and a white cockade, 'Swiss red' tunic and facings, dark blue collars, lapels, and pocket trim, white small coat (no pockets), and white pants.