In 1802, the previous hodgepodge of varied uniforms worn by the Spanish Light Infantry were replaced with a new uniform, which was the same for all 12 battalions, save only for the numbers on the buttons.
These superb Paul Hicks sculpts are from among the figures that I picked up from Brigade games at Historicon in July.
Bottle green hussar style jackets laced yellow, with red cuffs, shoulder straps and collars, all piped in yellow (I used Delta CC "Straw Paille" for the yellow).
The Light Infantry (Infanteria Ligeria is another designation in Spanish) were noted to often wear brown cloaks over their left shoulder. These fellows seem to prefer their right shoulder, however!
White pants, a red sash, and a Tarleton style helmet with a yellow turban and green plume complete a rather striking ensemble. A "Belly Box" was worn for the cartridges, sculpted but not well seen in these pictures. Officially, this uniform was replaced with dark blue jackets and battalion specific facing colors in 1805, but soldiers of the Romana Division in Denmark are still shown wearing this costume in 1807, and this uniform is far too attractive to pass up, eh?
Those are dandies, Peter! How could you even think of putting them into their later and more dull uniform? You could not!
ReplyDeleteVery well done and, to my eye, some of your finer brushwork. Hicks is a terrific sculptor.
Thanks, Jon. You are so right; I could not! The high quality of the sculpts helped; I had them done up to the lace work for a while, and then stalled, dreading it. But the sculpted detail helped tremendously once I had at it. I used dry brushing on the crest of the Tarleton, the green plumes, and the ends of the sashes, and pre-painted all the red areas with straw, and then used the old trick where I brought the red up to that to make the fine yellow piping. Oh, and both highlighting and shading to bring out the texture of the slung cloaks.
DeleteReally fine work! I have a unit of two of these Cazadores in tarleton in my 15mm Napoleonic collection. Perhaps these fellows are like a fine bourbon? In battle, they may go down easily but they do it in style.
DeleteLOL, Jon. Maybe more like a fine Rioja?
DeleteThat is a very eye-catching uniform. Nice work by Mr. Hicks and your brushwork too, of course.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dean. Once I got past the lace work on the chest, they were fun to paint! :-)
DeleteNice sculpts, and what a good job you did with them. Spanish OOB is really filling up.
ReplyDelete, Joe! As noted they are under the brush for a Snappy Nappy Peninsular Campaign event at Historicon in July, which returns to Lancaster after a 6 year hiatus. I will not miss the drive from Wilmington South!
DeleteWhat a fantastic unit...and job, lovely colors, wonderful uniform...Congrats !
ReplyDeleteLovely looking lights and a really characterful uniform that you have definitely done justice too!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks, Iain; I enjoyed doing them!
DeleteGreat work on these Peter. They are definitely one of the more distinctive Spanish uniforms, and a nice change from white.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lawrence. Next up is brown (some Militia).
Delete