1870 French Gendarmerie

[Leman]

I am intending to put together a force representing the French Army of the North, led by General Faidherbe, 1870/71. One of the few mounted units is described as mounted police. I take this to refer to the gendarmerie. I looked on the wibbly wobbly web for images and could find only one (amongst dozens of other images, which included Canadian Mounties) which showed a figure in dark blue veste, sky blue trousers with dark blue seam stripe, white leather belting and a sky blue kepi with dark blue band. Does anyone with more knowledge on this subject have any comments on, or corrections to, this information.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

I would either use Chasseurs de africk as they are in kepi. Sounds like their uniform will be similar. The trousers bagginess may be the only problem.

[Leman]

Cheers Lemmy. I was considering the Chasseurs d'Afrique or the Hussar figure in kepi.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Hussar in kepi would be perfect, but the main hussars are in 'busby' fur hats, the officer is very clearly different.

[Hecoma]

I hope it will be useful :



It comes from this commercial site where you can find many plates related to the franco-prussian war :

http://www.imagesdesoldats.com/fr/74-second-empire

[mollinary]

Hussar in kepi would be perfect, but the main hussars are in 'busby' fur hats, the officer is very clearly different.

Ml,

It is some years since I painted any of these, but I am pretty sure the. Pendraken French hussars are all in kepi and that it is the Chasseurs a Cheval who are in the busby. 


Mollinary

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

M,
Of course you are correct (just been out to the garage to check), oops!

[Leman]

Many thanks Hecoma. That is exactly what I've been looking for. Might even be able to use an Austrian 1866 general as an officer figure.

[Hertsblue]

Excellent resource, Hecoma. Thank you.