Minifigure – French Carabinier-à-Cheval a member of the elite heavy cavalry of the French Army during the later years of the Napoleonic Wars (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a French Carabinier-à-Cheval (Horse Carabinier), a member of the elite heavy cavalry of the French Army during the later years of the Napoleonic Wars (post-1810).

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

The Figure: French Carabinier (Heavy Cavalry) This figure represents one of the most visually striking units in Napoleon’s army. Before 1810, they wore blue coats and bearskin caps, but this figure depicts the 1810 Regulation Uniform.

• Uniform: He wears a White Tunic with Sky Blue Facings (collar, cuffs, and lapel piping). This radical change to white uniforms was ordered by Napoleon to make them stand out, though the soldiers famously complained that the white cloth was impossible to keep clean on campaign.

• The Armor (The Cuirass): The defining feature of this toy is the separate Yellow/Gold Breastplate. Historically, Carabiniers were issued steel cuirasses sheathed in Copper, which gave them a brilliant golden/bronze appearance. This distinguished them from the Cuirassiers, who wore plain steel (silver) armor.

• Headgear: He wears a Brass Helmet (Minerva style) with a tall Red Chenille (caterpillar crest). This Grecian-style helmet was designed to look imposing and deflect saber blows.

• Weapon: He carries a Carbine/Musket. As their name suggests, “Carabiniers” were originally armed with carbines (short muskets) and were trained to use firearms effectively, in addition to their heavy straight swords (not shown, but implied).

• Facial Features: Uniquely, this figure is printed with a Monocle and a grey beard. This character design implies he represents an Aristocratic Officer or a veteran commander, adding a touch of personality to the toy.

Historical Background: The Carabiniers-à-Cheval were the “Big Brothers” of the French cavalry. There were only two regiments, and they considered themselves superior even to the Cuirassiers. They were massive men on big horses, used as shock troops to smash through enemy lines. However, their white uniforms and golden armor made them very conspicuous targets. They suffered terrible casualties during the Russian Campaign (1812) and at the Battle of Waterloo, where they charged the British squares.