Napoleonic Wars – French Army

The name “Napoleonic Wars” derives directly from the French General Napoleon Bonaparte. After the French Revolution this French officer had the opportunity to show his strategic qualities and ultimately crowned himself as French Emperor. Many toy soldier makers made figures of these theme, mostly French and British army, but also from other countries like Russia, Austria and Portugal.

French Army

As one of the main opponents in this war there are many references on the French Army mostly the Imperial Guard.

There a very large information on French Army uniforms, mainly in the Soldat magazine, as follows:

1 – La Garde Impériale – 1805-1815. Le Corps de Grenadiers.

2 – La Garde Impériale – 1805-1815. Le Corps des Chasseurs et les Marins, Artilleurs, Sapeurs, Gendarmes…

3 – La Garde Impériale – 1805-1815. La Cavalerie. Les Grenadiers à cheval, les Dragons, les Chasseurs à Cheval…

4 – La Garde Impériale – 1805-1815. La Cavalerie II. Les Chasseurs à cheval, les Mameluks, les Lanciers Polonais, les Hollandais, etc.

14 – 1715-1820. Au service de la France. Les Suisses.

17 – L’Infanterie de Ligne 1812-1815.

Infantry

A Call to Arms, 17- French Line Infantry

As usual with this maker French infantry is represented by only 4 different poses that are sold in boxes of 16 figures. The poses are not of the most dynamic type but are elegant.

I gave cardboard bases to enhance figures appearance. Painted by me.

Airfix

Grenadiers

These figures are some of the best ever produced in the one piece type. Unfortunately some parts are easily broken.

The officers sword is broken.

The central figure is in a awkward pose using his rifle as a club.

This reference includes a generous 14 poses in contrast with the more common 7 poses of other Airfix references.

51463-5 Line Infantry

There are seven different poses with good quality sculpting.

Armies in Plastic

5457 – 3th Swiss Infantry Regiment

Albeit the very specific title it is possible to paint these figures with other uniforms. The sculpt work is good.

Editions Atlas

This company produced painted metal figures for collectors. The figures in my collection are from French musicians.

ESCI

The ESCI figures are very elegant with normal poses but a bit static.

Hät

9305 – French Light Infantry Command

In each box we get 18 figures in 6 different poses. Sculpture in of regular quality

Jecsan

This Spanish company made some infantry soldiers in a 65mm from feet to eye level.

As usually I glued the figures on wood bases for increased stability.

Painting by PLC.

Victrix

French Napoleonic Voltigeurs 1805-1812

This maker produces figures in kit form allowing for many different poses. The quality is very good.

Cavalry

A Call to Arms, 21 – French Carabiniers

In each box of this reference you’ll get 4 soldiers in very dynamic poses riding the same horse. To give a bit more variety you can paint the horses in different colours.