Minifigure – French Line Infantry Officer of the Grenadier Company Napoleonic Wars (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a French Line Infantry Officer (specifically an officer of the Grenadier Company) from the Napoleonic Wars era.

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

The Figure: French Grenadier Officer This figure represents a commander of the elite “shock troops” within a standard French infantry regiment. He is distinguished from the regular soldiers by symbols of rank and command.

• Rank Insignia (The Gold): The most important identifiers of his officer status are the Gold Gorget printed on his chest (the crescent-shaped metal plate near the neck) and the separate Gold Epaulettes (shoulder scales). In the French Army, these were the universal symbols of a commissioned officer on duty.

• Headgear: He wears the standard Shako hat with a gold eagle plate. Crucially, it is topped with a tall Red Plume. In the French color-coding system, Red was the specific color for Grenadiers. This identifies him as the leader of the regiment’s elite company, composed of the tallest and bravest men.

• Uniform: He wears the regulation Dark Blue Tunic with red piping. Unlike figure N015 (who wore tan breeches), this officer wears Dark Blue Trousers. This “all-blue” look was a very common campaign uniform for French officers, as it was more practical than white breeches for long marches in the mud.

• Weapons: Officers did not carry muskets. He is equipped with a Straight Sword for leading charges and a Flintlock Pistol for personal protection.

• Facial Features: He has distinct sideburns, a fashion style popularized by the military men of the Napoleonic period.

Historical Background: Grenadier Officers were expected to be the bravest leaders in the regiment. The Grenadier company was always positioned on the right flank of the battle line—the position of honor—and was often used to spearhead attacks or storm fortifications. An officer leading these men had to lead by example, often standing fully exposed to enemy fire to inspire his troops. The combination of the red plume (elite status) and the gold gorget (officer rank) marks this figure as a leader of veteran soldiers.