Minifigure – Late Qing Dynasty Military Squad (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a complete Late Qing Dynasty Military Squad (circa 1860–1900), featuring a mix of regular imperial troops, irregular militia, and a mounted officer. This combination perfectly illustrates the diverse and transitional nature of the Chinese military during the “Self-Strengthening Movement” and the Boxer Rebellion era.

Here is the breakdown of each character in the image:

1. The Mounted Officer / Cavalryman (Center) Sitting atop the white warhorse is the leader of this squad.

• Uniform: He wears the standard Light Blue Tunic with black frog buttons (Chinese knots) and the official Black Manchu Cap (Guanmao) with a top knob.

• Weapon: Unlike the foot soldiers, he holds a Silver Revolver in his right hand. In the late 19th-century Chinese armies, handguns were prestige weapons reserved for officers and cavalry.

• Mount: He rides a White Horse equipped with a black bridle and reins, allowing him to command the troops from a higher vantage point.

2. The Regular Infantryman (Front Right) Walking in the front on the right side is a soldier of the regular army (likely the Green Standard Army or a regional modernized force).

• Headgear: He wears the Black Soldier’s Cap and, notably, sports the Manchu Queue (braided hair) down his back (visible in the side profile from previous context).

• Expression: He has an Angry/Shouting Face, depicted as if he is charging into battle or shouting orders.

• Weapon: He carries a Lever-Action Rifle (Winchester style), symbolizing the adoption of Western repeating firearms.

3. The Veteran “Brave” / Irregular (Front Left) Walking in the front on the left is a veteran soldier with a distinct appearance.

• Headgear: He wears a wide-brimmed Straw Hat (Conical Hat). This identifies him as a “Yong” (Brave)—a member of the irregular militia units recruited to supplement the regular army during crises like the Taiping or Boxer Rebellions.

• Uniform: He wears a Dark Blue Tunic with white buttons and a black yoke design.

• Face: He features a printed Goatee and Mustache, suggesting he is an older, battle-hardened veteran.

• Weapon: He is also armed with a modern Repeating Rifle, showing that even irregular troops were often equipped with imported weaponry.

4. The Militia Recruit (Back Right) Standing slightly behind the regular infantryman is another irregular soldier.

• Uniform: He wears a Light Blue Tunic distinguished by a Red Patterned Yoke on the chest. This red-on-blue color scheme was common for various provincial defense forces.

• Headgear: Like the veteran, he wears the practical Straw Hat, offering protection from the sun during long marches.

• Role: He represents the rank-and-file militia who defended local regions against bandits and foreign incursions.

Historical Background: This set represents a Late Qing Dynasty Patrol. By the late 19th century, the Qing Empire was struggling to modernize. They created the “New Army” and purchased millions of modern rifles (like Mausers and Winchesters) from Europe and America. However, uniform standards were loose. It was common to see a mix of traditional headgear (straw hats vs. official caps) and weapons in the same unit. This squad captures that specific historical moment—soldiers looking like ancient warriors but fighting with modern industrial guns.