The first regiment of Continental Light Dragoons had ist origins as Bland's Virginia Horse, and joined Washington's army at Morristown, NJ, in December 1776.
At that time, it was recorded as having two different uniforms, one blue faced red, and the other brown faced green; I have depicted them in the later.
They officially became the 1st Continental Light Dragoons in March of 1777.
Reversed colors for the trumpeters (green faced brown) were documented by Bland in the Spring of 1777, along with many other details of rank distinctions.
This uniform is depicted in both Mollo and Leffert's works. Lefferts shows a lighter, orangish brown, which I have copied, while Mollo shows dark brown coats.
The flag is by Adolfo Ramos; it appears there may have been several flags carried, all with the same design, but with red or green ground colors instead. This flag is by Adolfo Ramos.
The legs on the horses of these Perry figures were kind of disaster - quite bent and fragile; I straightened them as much as I dared!
Lovely work again and a very nice uniform, really different. The legs on the horses seem to be a problem at times with Perry , which is a shame as they are great figures.
ReplyDeleteThanks, definitely a unique uniform. The issue is mot apparent in the frontal view of the figures!
DeleteGreat paint work. I've had the same issue with metal Perry horses.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Richard. The bent legs *are* pretty annoying! I suspect the fact that these are one piece figures (unlike the British, as previously noted) contributes to the problem!
DeleteLovely looking Continental cavalry!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you, Ian!
DeleteThe brown with green facings is a great choice Peter. Very effective. The Perry metal can be a bit bendier than others which is usually not a problem except on horses' legs, as you say.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lawrence. As you say, other bendy parts are generally not problematic; the legs are a bit different!
DeleteFunny never really think of AWI uniforms being so colourful and varied. Are the Perry horses just modelling malnourishment ?
ReplyDeleteThey DO look rather malnourished, don't they? Maybe even some equine rickets. Remember that I am presenting an *extremely* idealized version of these uniforms, in keeping with my "toy soldier" outlook. Reality would likely be units with the men in all kinds of different uniforms, if any at all, and a fair amount of rags!
DeleteGreat choice of uniform. I'd have done the same. Think I'll have to add some US Light Dragoons on my next Pendraken order.
ReplyDeleteCavalry didn't play much of a role in the AWI, but it was there, and did influence the outcome of a few battles, such as Pulaski's first charge at Brandywine (which won him a commission from the Continental Congress as commanding general of the cavalry), and the Southern campaign.
DeleteThey look great Peter, but I did wonder about the odd angles the horses were at - that's a bit of a shame from the Perrys - maybe their molds are getting a bit long in the tooth....
ReplyDeleteI think it is extracting the one piece figures from the mold that is the problem here; there was not a lot of flash on the castings.
DeleteGreat work on them
ReplyDelete