Mounted French Cuirassier Officer help

[bladerunner8u]

I was watching a show on the Military History channel on Waterloo the other night and they flashed a painting which showed a Mounted French Cuirassier Officer. It inspired me to do something similar. My question is if I use the Metal Models 54mm mounted French Cuirassier trooper and metal models officers in bicorn hats conversion set what do I have to do to the saddle? Does it stay as a sheepskin or change to the officer style cloth or could it be both ways? What about regiment number and colors? I would like to use the sheep skin saddle if it is correct. Any special changes to the uniform? I have limited reference on this subject and want to get it correct.
Thanks Glenn Bartolotti

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hi Glenn,
If I understood well, you would make a cuirassier officer with bicorn hat, isn't true? Well, I must say you that only the generals of this Heavy Cavalry Corps had bicorn hat, the normal officers of whatever grade until colonel had the steel helm, similar to troopers, but rather different . The saddle style changed anyway, the officers had the half rear cloth saddle, but instead of sheep skin, they had the double cloth pistol holsters. The generals too had different saddles, with pistol holters, all in crimson cloth edged twice in gold. But for this rank you need some works on the cuirass, the golden sash, the gold embroideries on the jacket, an hard job of transformation.
Tell me what you think to make, all information are available.
Best regards
Marcello

 

[bladerunner8u]

Marcello,
Thanks for the reply. Yes The painting I saw the officer had a Bicorn so I assume he was a high rank. Do you know of any good souces I can see that show what you have explained?
Thanks Glenn

 

[bladerunner8u]

Marcello,
Thanks for the reply. I would like to do a General.
Thanks Glenn

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hi Glenn,
If you want make a general, you have the Pegaso's subject Etienne Champion, Count of Nansouty yet ready. He's a little expensive perhaps, but the quality is at high level, and the kit includes the wooden base and his plate. And the hard job of transformation is not necessary.
Watch the link, and this site in the next days...
Best regards
Marcello

http://www.pegasomodels.com/details_it.asp?code=54-900#

 

[bladerunner8u]

Thanks Marcello

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Cuirassier troopers under the late republic and early empire also wore bicornes in the field. Try to get access to the faboulous Bucquoy book on the topic - perhaps a library.

Cheers

Colin

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hi Colin and Glenn,
In the Consulate period there was a Corp simply named "Cavalry" (heritage of the Monarchy), and only the 8th regiment carried the cuirass since a Century before). On october 1801 also the 1st regiment gets the cuirass, beginning the hystory of the next cuirassiers. Within october and december 1802 other six regiments coming from the old "Cavalry" increase the "Cuirassiers Corp" at eight total regiments. On Octoter 1803, following the orders of Napoleon, who wanted the Heavy Cavalry (Cuirassiers + carabiniers), the total number of regiment became 12, until 1811, when the regiments were 14. These men, who must be tall not less of 170 cm. (a good heigh for the period sic), received on 1801 (so, before the 1804 Empire year) the dragoons type helmet. But Glenn at first of the thread told us of Waterloo campaign, so june 1815, that's all other stoy, so far from the old cuirassiers, who had a bicorn hat very different from the general's pattern sawn by Glenn.
Best regards
Marcello