44th US Infantry Regiment Command--28mm

Hello everyone!

Worked on these guys over the past couple of days, who represent the command and color party for the 44th US Infantry Regiment, which fought at New Orleans. (Remember to click on the pictures for bigger versions.)

These guys are wearing the 1812 laced coatee and the felt, flat-topped French-inspired shakos. The drummer is wearing reversed colors (i.e. a red coatee with blue facings instead of the blue coatee with red facings like his fellows). The color party consists of a pair of sergeants, wearing sashes, NCO swords, and white worsted epaulettes. Lace and piping is white for all the figures.

I know that the purists out there will point out that these guys are wearing the wrong uniforms for New Orleans. In fact, the 44th Infantry would never have worn this uniform, having been established late in 1813, when the 1812 pattern felt shakos were largely phased out. Yes, I know this, but these were the figures that I had. Besides, I think they look quite snazzy.

These are all Foundry figures. My personal favorite amongst these guys is the colonel; his pose is so animated that he looks like he's really leading his regiment forward under heavy fire. The flags are hand painted by myself; here's a picture I took of them on the workbench:

The Americans' infantry colors really weren't all that exciting at this early stage of the United States' existence. The Federal Color (in blue) was analogous to the British King's Colour, while the bland beige Regimental Color was similar for all American regiments, the only real difference being the numbers used for each individual regiment. The Stars and Stripes would not be carried as a National Color until 1841.

Coming soon: Later today I'll post up the review for my new 18mm figures; it's basically done, I just need to get it typed up.

Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated. Thanks for looking!

-Chuck