Minifigure – Lancer of the French Imperial Guard (Dutch Squadron) Red Lancers (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a Lancer of the Imperial Guard (Dutch Squadron), historically known as the “Red Lancers” (2e régiment de chevau-légers lanciers de la Garde impériale). The figure is identified by the code N049.

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

The Figure: Red Lancer of the Guard (Dutch Squadron) This figure depicts an officer or elite trooper from one of the most famous and colorful cavalry units in Napoleon’s army.

• Uniform: The figure wears the iconic Scarlet Red Kurtka (a short-tailed cavalry jacket). The defining feature is the Dark Blue Plastron (chest panel), along with a blue collar and cuffs. This “Red with Blue facings” color scheme was unique to the 2nd Guard Lancers.

• Headgear: He wears the traditional Polish-style Czapka (Lancer Cap) in Red. It features a gold sunburst plate with the Imperial “N” or Eagle on the front. The tall White Plume on top signifies his elite status in the Imperial Guard.

• Rank Insignia: The figure is equipped with Gold Epaulettes (shoulder scales), which typically indicated a commissioned officer or a high-ranking NCO in the French service.

• The Weapon: He carries a long Cavalry Lance with a steel tip. The pennant (flag) is White over Red, matching the Polish-style weapons adopted by this regiment.

• Text Identifier: The text on the image explicitly says “Lancers of the Guard [Dutch Squadron]”. This is historically precise because the regiment was formed by absorbing the Dutch Royal Guard of King Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon’s brother) into the French Imperial Guard in 1810.

Historical Background: The Red Lancers were created in 1810 after Napoleon annexed the Kingdom of Holland. Impressed by the quality and discipline of the Dutch Royal Guard Hussars, Napoleon converted them into a Lancer regiment for his own Guard. Because they retained their Dutch scarlet uniforms, they were nicknamed the “Red Lancers.” They served as Napoleon’s personal escort and fought with incredible bravery, particularly during the Invasion of Russia (1812) where the regiment was almost completely destroyed by the cold and Cossacks, and later at Waterloo. They were considered the peers of the famous Polish Lancers.