Minifigure – Italian Chasseur (Light Infantryman) serving in the Army of the Kingdom of Italy (Regno d’Italia) during the Napoleonic Wars (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing an Italian Chasseur (Light Infantryman) serving in the Army of the Kingdom of Italy (Regno d’Italia) during the Napoleonic Wars.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the figure and its historical significance:

The Figure: Italian Chasseur (Kingdom of Italy) This figure represents a soldier from the Italian states that were allied with and ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte (who was crowned King of Italy in 1805).

• Uniform: The figure wears the distinctive green tunic (habit-vert) with white lapels and yellow collar/trim. While French line infantry wore blue, the army of the Kingdom of Italy famously wore green coats as their national color. The white trousers and black gaiters complete the standard infantry look.

• Headgear: He wears a black Shako (military cap). Key identifiers include the diamond-shaped silver plate on the front featuring the Imperial Eagle, and the Green Pom-Pom on top. In the Napoleonic military system, a green pom-pom typically identified the soldier as a Chasseur (Hunter) or Voltigeur (Skirmisher)—an elite light infantryman trained to fight in loose formations.

• Accessories: The set includes a pair of green epaulettes (shoulder fringing). The matching green color further confirms his status as a light infantry skirmisher.

• Weapons: He is equipped with a Musket (likely a lighter model used by skirmishers) and a Short Sword (known as a Sabre-briquet). Light infantry often carried these curved short swords for hacking through brush or for close-quarters defense.

• Facial Features: The figure sports distinctive mutton chop sideburns and a mustache, a fashion style very popular among veteran soldiers of the era to appear more rugged.

Historical Background: The Kingdom of Italy was a client state of the French Empire, and Napoleon was its King. The Royal Italian Army was modeled exactly after the French Army but used green coats instead of blue. These Italian troops were widely respected as some of the best soldiers in Europe. They fought bravely in many of Napoleon’s campaigns, particularly distinguishing themselves during the Invasion of Russia in 1812 under the command of Eugène de Beauharnais (Napoleon’s stepson). The Chasseurs (Cacciatori) were light infantry known for their sharpshooting and agility.