Divisional Command and Those Yet to Come

 While getting the Spanish artillery prepped and ready for painting, to my shame, I noticed the command figures languishing on my desk, that have been there far too long.  In between base coats of paint for the artillery, or maybe instead of, as I am not fond of the initial color blocking phase, I hope to sneak in some long overdue command figures.  I started off well, by finishing up the Spanish command and a brigade commander for the French.

I also managed to get these chasseurs mounted up in skirmish order.  They were no longer required as I found some Alberken light infantry figures that were a perfect match for the battalion that these used to be a part of.

These are Der Kriegspielers, and as much as I like to poopoo DKs, sometimes they paint up right nice.  They are actually a better 1/72 scale match for most plastic ranges than the Hinton Hunt figures.

All of these had broken bayonets, so what better use than a skirmish unit.

This gentleman was sitting around unloved on my desk, which was a shame given his pedigree as a genuine Hinton Hunt casting.  He was prepainted, though poorly, so this was actually a major repaint.  He wasn't so bad that I felt like he need to be stripped of the old paint, but almost all of the paintwork is new with the exception of the horse.

He is representing GdB Balthazard Grandjean, who will actually be commanding three German state battalions (2 of which are yet to be painted - Wurtemberg and Hesse-Darmstadt)

The blue and gold sash really helps to set off the distinguished look of this figure.

These were the gentlemen who really got me heading down the path of finishing up the command staff.

The central figure commands the 4th Army's Galacian Division, and is flanked by his two brigade commanders.

Mariscal de Campo Pedro de la Bárcena

Bárcena is a Minifig s-series casting that was a gift from my dear friend Terry Webb.  I am very pleased to have finally given him the respect he deserved and finished his paint job.

He reminds me of Wellington in a way in the simplicity of his long blue overcoat.

I have no doubt this figure was modelled on a painting by Denis Dighton, used as an illustration in this article: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/battle-of-barrosa-siege-of-cadiz-savage-encounter-spain/ 

This fancy gentleman is a new addition to the command and is made from a Der Kriegspieler casting, that frankly, has seen better days.  He ended up quite dashing however, especially with his red and gold saddle trim and colonel's stripes above his brigadier cuff lace. 

The obligatory Spanish moustache

The Brigadier of the 2nd Spanish brigade was one of Dick Tennant's original HH figures.

Dick left the epaulets on this figure and gave him silver trim, but I have only seen silver used for staff officers, but even now, Spanish uniforms are tough to really understand and Dick may have had a good source.  I have not seen epaulets on a general however, as typically the rank was designated by a wide strip of lace on the cuffs, and collar.

In the end I decided to just leave him as is in a gesture of respect for the work DT did.

Artillery has been primed and given a thinned brown coat to bring out the raised detail.

Polish commanders, Jan Kanopka of the Vistula Lancers and Pierre d'Autancourt, who was the defacto Colonel of the 1st Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard. These two figures are Art Miniaturen sculpts.

Lastly some lovely Franznap sculpts of Marshal Bessiers and his Aides.

Till next time,

Happy Holidays and take care of each other.