FPW French infantry

[doctorphalanx]

I bought a Franco-Prussian War French army pack some years ago. On recent inspection I see the infantry are in short jackets rather than greatcoats and have no epaulettes. They do, however,  have baggy trousers and full kit so I don't think they're chasseurs.  Are they Republican line infantry?

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Yes.
Check your standard, he shouldn't have an eagle either!

[Leman]

The baggy trousers makes me think they could be Volontaires de l'Ouest, the ex-Papal Zouaves. The actual Republican infantry are in greatcoats and wrapped up for winter.

[doctorphalanx]

Thanks for the responses.

There are no eagles. There are some chasseur and zouave types. I think it must be the Republican pack.

There are some cuirassiers who look right for the Imperial period but I don't think the rest will be much good to me.

[Leman]

The Republican period should not be underestimated for some fascinating battles that raise all sorts of tactical problems for players. The Bloody Big Battles yahoo site has some great Republican phase scenarios.

[JeffNNN]

In fact I'd be inclined to the view that the Republican period provides some more interesting battles. You can use some extra weapons like Gatling guns just for the fun of it and there's the fact that you can more legitimately use lots of Prussian Landwehr. It's also the case that as the Republic was trying to relieve Paris there are times when both strategically and tactically they were attacking.

If you want something a bit different then try what the Prussians did fear at one point, a French amphibious landing on the Baltic coast (no real Prussian naval opposition). This could pit lots of North African troops against the Landwehr who were originally held back for just that reason.

Jeff

[Leman]

The poor Landwehr, they don't like it up 'em you know. Further, I think this army pack has been cobbled together rather than it being a bona fide Pendraken pack. I've not come across an army pack with cuirassiers. The usual complement is dragoons.