Minifigure – Late Qing Dynasty “New Army” Officers (LEGO Compatible)

Product Overview: Late Qing Dynasty “New Army” Officer Set

(Imperial Chinese Military Modernization Corps)

This image displays a complete command unit of the Late Qing Dynasty Army (New Army / Lujun). These figures represent the fascinating transitional period in Chinese history (late 1890s–1911) where Western military technology and uniforms blended with traditional Manchu customs.

Here is the breakdown of the four figures, from left to right:

1. The Infantry Officer (Far Left)

Specific Name: New Army Infantry Commander

• Visual Description: This officer wears the standard Dark Blue Double-Breasted Tunic with brass buttons, mimicking the German-influenced uniforms of the era. He is armed with a black Mauser C96 Pistol (“Broomhandle”), a weapon that became iconic in Chinese military history.

• Headgear: He wears the traditional Official’s Hat with a red finial, symbolizing his allegiance to the Qing court despite his modern uniform.

2. The Cavalry Officer (Middle Left)

Specific Name: Imperial Cavalry Commander

• Visual Description: Distinguished by the Gold Aiguillette (Braided Cord) draped across his right shoulder, this figure represents a mounted officer. The gold braiding adds a level of prestige associated with hussar or cavalry units.

• Weapon: Like his infantry counterpart, he carries a Mauser C96, which was favored by cavalrymen for its compact firepower.

3. The Army General (Middle Right)

Specific Name: High Commander with Dragon Flag

• Visual Description: The leader of the group stands in front of the large Imperial Yellow Dragon Flag (Huanglong Qi), the national flag of the Qing Dynasty.

• Face: He features a Mustache and Goatee, indicating seniority and high rank compared to the younger officers. His role is to command the modernized divisions (Beiyang Army) on behalf of the Emperor.

4. The Medical Officer (Far Right)

Specific Name: Army Surgeon / Doctor

• Visual Description: This figure represents the modernization of military support roles. He wears a similar blue tunic but is distinguished by Silver/White Collar Embroidery and cuff details, likely denoting the medical branch.

• Weapon: Instead of a Mauser, he carries a silver Revolver, a typical sidearm for non-combatant specialist officers.

Historical Background

• The “New Army”: After humiliating defeats in the 19th century, the Qing Dynasty desperately tried to modernize its military. They adopted Western drills, German weapons (like the Mauser), and modern uniforms, but soldiers were still required to wear the Manchu Queue (Braid) and traditional caps until the empire fell in 1911.

• The Warlord Origins: The officers trained in these “New Armies” eventually became the powerful Warlords who controlled China after the Qing Dynasty collapsed, making these figures historically significant precursors to the Warlord Era.