Minifigure – Imperial German Army Uhlan Cavalryman WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Specific Name: WWI Imperial German Army Uhlan Cavalryman (1st Uhlan Regiment – Lancer with Gas Mask)

Visual Description: This custom-printed minifigure represents a mounted cavalryman (Uhlan) from the German Empire during the mid-to-late stages of World War I, reflecting the harsh transition into modern warfare.

• The Face/Headgear: The most striking feature is the printed Gas Mask. This represents the Gummi-Maske or later leather masks used by German forces, indicating a combat scenario after 1915 when chemical warfare became prevalent.

• The Uniform (Ulanka): He wears the traditional Uhlan tunic known as an Ulanka, updated to the WWI field grey (Feldgrau). The key identifying mark of this specific cavalry style is the Red Piping that outlines the double-breasted front plastron panel, the collar, and the sleeve cuffs.

• The Weapon: He is armed with a long grey Cavalry Lance. German Uhlans famously carried these steel tube lances (Stahlrohrlanze) into battle, carrying on a centuries-old tradition into the modern era.

• Tactical Gear: * He wears brown leather Ammunition Pouches around his waist for his sidearm or carbine.

  • Mounted on his chest/harness is a brown cylindrical Gas Mask Canister. Carrying it on the chest allowed for immediate access during a sudden gas attack.

• Legwear: His trousers feature printed Leather Riding Reinforcements on the inner thighs (visible in a tan/khaki color). This is a highly accurate detail for cavalry troops to prevent wear and tear from the saddle. He wears standard black riding boots.

Historical Background:

• The Tradition of the Uhlan: Originating from Polish light cavalry, Uhlans were adopted by the Prussian and later Imperial German armies. They were the premier lancers of the empire, heavily romanticized before the war.

• The Shock of Modern War: When WWI began in 1914, regiments like the 1st Uhlans charged into battle with lances. However, they were quickly decimated by the reality of machine guns, barbed wire, and artillery.

• Adaptation: This figure brilliantly captures the juxtaposition of the era: holding a medieval-style lance while wearing a modern gas mask. As the war progressed, especially on the Western Front, Uhlans were forced to dismount, leave their horses behind, and fight in the mud of the trenches as regular infantry.