This image displays a toy minifigure representing a Brunswick Uhlan (Lancer), a member of the famous “Black Brunswickers” (Schwarze Schar) during the Napoleonic Wars era. This figure is identified by the product code N041.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the figure and its historical significance:
The Figure: Brunswick Uhlan (Death’s Head Lancer) This figure represents the light cavalry of the Duchy of Brunswick. They are easily distinguishable from other lancers by their somber colors and macabre insignia.
Headgear: He wears a Blue-topped Czapka (Lancer Cap) with a black band. The most critical identifier is the silver Skull and Crossbones (Totenkopf) printed on the front of the cap. This symbol of “Victory or Death” was the trademark of the Brunswick corps.
Uniform: He wears a Black Tunic with a Sky Blue Plastron (chest panel) and blue collar. This distinctive combination—black for mourning, blue for the specific Uhlan regiment—sets them apart from the Brunswick Hussars (who wore all black).
The Weapon: He carries a long Cavalry Lance. The pennant (flag) attached to the lance is Blue over Yellow. These were the state colors of the Duchy of Brunswick (Herzogtum Braunschweig).
Rank Insignia: Uniquely, this set includes a separate Arm Accessory with Silver Chevrons printed on it. This indicates the figure represents a Sergeant or NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer), as rank stripes were worn on the sleeve.
Historical Background: The Brunswick Uhlans were part of the “Black Horde” raised by Frederick William, the Duke of Brunswick, to fight Napoleon. Like the Hussars (see N022), they wore black uniforms to mourn the Duke’s father and their occupied homeland. The Uhlans were armed with lances, making them excellent shock cavalry. They fought alongside the British Army at the Battle of Waterloo and Quatre Bras in 1815, where their “Death’s Head” insignia and black uniforms made a terrifying impression on the French enemy.
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