This regiment dates back to 1793, originally as the Carabineros de María Luisa, then becoming the Húsares de María Luisa in 1803. In 1808 the regiment was used to form the 1st and 2nd Húsares de Extremadura, which later merged back in to a single regiment. The same uniform was retained throughout, aside from a change from the Mirleton to a shako, starting perhaps as early as late 1809.
The trumpeter wears "reversed colors" for the dolman and pelisse. The officer subsitutes silver for the white lace, and, oddly, even has silver epaulettes on the pelisse!
A fantastic source for information on all of the Spanish Hussars (and for many other Spanish troops as well) can be found at the Little Wars site.
These very nice castings are from Eagle figures, the only manufacturer I could find that does them in the fabulous Mirleton in 28 mm. With this uinit, we are back to "proper" 8 figure, 4 stand regiments!
I am afraid this unit didn't have a stellar battlefield record, earning the nickname "Run Away Marys" for their contribution to the War of the Oranges with Portugal in 1801. Of course, they weren't officially Hussars yet then, so maybe that accounts for it! :-)
Nice unit...even with the reputation.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee. We'll see how they fight on the tabletop soon!
DeleteI've also done this unit, love the wonderful colors...You did a great job on these ones, not always an effective unit but always beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMerci, Phil. We'll see if they do the "run away!"or not. :-)
DeleteExcellent, Peter! I have these fine fellows in 15mm.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jon. I think most of us remember this dramatic uniform from the Funken books, and thus have to have them!
DeletePretty uniforms, and in time for your snappy nappy game.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe! Yep, ready right on time!
DeleteThe Spanish were certainly colourful and you have done a great job here Peter. A unit to add to my 6mm looks likely.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jon,. They would look impressive in 6mm, too!
DeleteLovely,colourful hussars!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you Iain!
Deletenice work, as a general comment, love your blog and I use it as a source of inspiration and knowledge for my own meagre efforts in 15mm, across the range.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stuart. I am so glad that you enjoy the blog, and find it useful as well!
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Aaron!
DeleteOne of my favourite Spanish units, and I like the Eagle figures. Nicely detailed sculpts with a separate pelisse from memory, although slighter than some others and I found the metal slightly softer than what I am used to.
ReplyDeleteThat was before the new proprietor took over and wonder whether he may be using a different alloy as he has been significantly expanding the range. I think his name was either Ian or Peter, and can remember him being a great person to deal with.
I can vaguely recall that his
Thanks, Lawrence. Yes, the metal is softer. They are similar to Brigade Games/Paul Hicks in heft, certainly less bulky than Front Rank or even Perry.
DeleteThe new proprietor is Ian, and he is indeed a pleasure to deal with!
Great looking unit, reputation be damned! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mark! It's all about the panache! :-)
DeleteYet another group of eye catching figures.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Gary!
Delete