Minifigure – French “Red Lancer” of the Imperial Guard from the Napoleonic Wars (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a French “Red Lancer” of the Imperial Guard (2e régiment de chevau-légers lanciers de la Garde impériale) from the Napoleonic Wars era.

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

The Figure: French Red Lancer (Imperial Guard) This figure represents one of the most famous and striking cavalry units in Napoleon’s army, known for their distinct red uniforms.

• Uniform: He wears the iconic Scarlet Red Tunic (a Kurtka or Dolman style) with Blue Cuffs and collar. This “Red with Blue facings” color scheme is the unique signature of the 2nd Light Horse Lancers of the Guard.

• The Cape: He wears a Grey Cloak/Cape draped over his shoulders. This was a standard piece of campaign equipment for the Imperial Guard, used to protect their expensive uniforms from the elements while on the march.

• Headgear: He wears a black Shako with cords and a tall Yellow-topped Black Plume.

  • Historical Note: Historically, Red Lancers typically wore a square-topped Polish cap called a Czapka. This toy figure uses a Shako, which was more common for Line Lancers or Trumpeters, but the color scheme unmistakably points to the “Red Lancer” regiment. The yellow-topped plume often signified a specific company (like the Voltigeurs) or an NCO.

• Weapon: He carries a long Cavalry Lance with a steel tip. The lance gave these riders a significant reach advantage over infantry bayonets and other cavalry swords.

• Facial Features: Unusually for a generic soldier, this figure is printed with Glasses (Spectacles). This gives him the appearance of a distinct character, perhaps a specific officer, a surgeon attached to the regiment, or simply a veteran soldier with poor eyesight!

Historical Background: The Red Lancers were originally the Dutch Hussars of King Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon’s brother). When Napoleon annexed Holland in 1810, he was so impressed by these soldiers that he inducted them into his elite Imperial Guard. They were issued lances and red uniforms, earning them their famous nickname. They served as Napoleon’s personal escort and fought with distinction during the invasion of Russia (1812), where they suffered heavy losses protecting the Emperor during the retreat, and in the final campaigns of 1813-1815.