Thursday 24 November 2016

Spanish 2nd Cavalry Division - Almanza Dragoon Trumpeter

Almanza Dragoon Trumpeter
Ah the joys of painting the Spanish, whilst putting together a resource for others to reference, has caused me to present the latest development in my research into the Almanza Dragoons trumpeter.

Thank you to Louis Lepic for supplying me with this excellent depiction of the actual 1805 uniform for the trumpeter and the need to make a slight alteration to the look of my man which will go on the "odds and ends" to do list known as "snagging" in the building trade.

Onwards and upwards.

6 comments:

  1. Lovely work on the Almanzas JJ. I found painting Spanish both frustrating but also exciting at the same time. A bit like being on a treasure hunt and following a seemingly exciting trail of clues, only to be lead over a cliff.

    I reversed the trumpeters for my 28mm Villaviciosa dragoons, but subsequently read somewhere that they should be attired in the King's livery, in dark blue with red turnbacks and facings. Somehow I don't believe that is correct either, and this 1805 picture seems to add another interesting dimension.

    I did all my (Front Rank) line fifers with red tunics and unit coloured facings as I had read that somewhere that this was how regimental musicians were attired, so perhaps that is the truth of it for mounted musicians as well and which presumably could include trumpeters. Very interesting, and thanks for posting.

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    1. Hi Lawrence, thank you. Yes I have found the exercise in researching the Spanish very interesting and challenging and I guess have fallen back on pragmatism in that what was the supposed uniform regulation was one thing and what was worn in the field something completely different. That's what I love about the Bob Marion prints showing troops wearing all sorts of captured refurbished kit.

      I have asked Louis to reference this plate so we might have some more info to share about it

      Cheers
      JJ

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  2. Console yourself in the knowledge that he will be the smartest dressed trumpeter on the field.

    I must say I always wondered about the colour of the pom-poms on some French units....

    Vince

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    1. I wanted to get this right as I know you are a stickler for this kind of stuff and if it's not right it loses the whole thing for you.

      French pom-poms, now you've picked a favourite topic of mine. I think I might insist that all players must make sure that their companies are in the right order of seniority when in column and line and impose penalties for any lack of attention.

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  3. Thanks for the trumpeter post. I will have to revisit my own trumpeter - almost certainly the saddle cloth on my trumpeter's horse is wrong!

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    1. Hi Bill, hold fire on using this illustration, as this red uniform is a "red herring". I thought it was Spanish but it appears it is early French Guard. I have had several suggestions that red with light blue collar cuffs and lapels might be appropriate but have no reference to corroborate that assertion.

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