Russian Pavlovski Flank Grenadiers, 1805–1814
Italeri 1:72 Scale Figure Review
Italeri figures are cast in a silver plastic, giving them the appearance of metal miniatures. Anyone playing with unpainted soldiers will appreciate the fact that these miniatures are compatible with each other; colours and sizes match, and soldiers may serve in mixed units.
The Pavlovski regiment was formed in 1790 from elements of other infantry units. Russian grenadiers wore the old Prussian style füsilier cap with metal front, flank grenadiers a similar mitre cap, both of which were to be replaced by the new Kiwer (shako) in 1805. However, the new shakos did not reach many frontline units until much later, and the Pavlovski regiment was still wearing their old füsilier and grenadier caps as late as 1807, at the battle of Friedland. In recognition of its heroic fight at Friedland, the regiment was permitted to wear the original caps as a distinction henceforth. Pavlovksi was the only unit to retain these caps. The material was replaced occasionally, but the original metal fronts were worn on parade as late as 1914, and they were kept in historic condition, including bullet holes and other damage incurred at Friedland.
Pavlovski distinguished itself again in the 1812 campaign and they were elevated to guard status in 1813, becoming the Life Guard Pavlovksi Regiment.
The Italeri figures do justice to a famous guard regiment. The grenadiers are beautifully sculpted, full of detail and nicely posed in historically and anatomically correct positions.
Contents
50 Figures with 15 Poses – 23 mm equal 166 cm Height
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier Officer (1)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier Sergeant with Spontoon (1)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier Drummer (1)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier Fifer (1)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, marching with shouldered Musket (6)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, march-attack (6)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, standing at easy (1)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, standing, firing (6)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, kneeling, firing (6)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, loading, handling cartridge (3)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, loading, making ready (3)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, charging (6)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, advancing (3)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, defending (3)
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadier, kneeling (3)
Evaluation
Beautifully detailed figures, with turnbacks, cuffs, belts, buttons, mitre caps and metal fittings on weapons and equipment that are a delight to paint.
Striking faces are distinctly Russian looking.
Grenadier mitres may be used in conversions of 18th Century Prussian, Hessian and Brunswick grenadiers.
Historic poses are very compatible with each other, allowing the wargamer to recruit realistic looking battalions and regiments.
Officers and NCOs are well designed and exotically armed. Officers wore caps on parade, and grenadier shakos in the field.
Good casting quality, except for the charging and marching grenadiers which are damaged by moulding mistakes. Both figures need to be cleaned up with the scalpel, removing excessive flash around the pack and along the arms. The mistakes are less obvious if the figures are painted after clean-up.
The grenadiers are not wearing the rolled greatcoat over the left shoulder, which was so typical of Russian infantry in this period. A grave omission. The Shinel was very popular with Russian soldiers and they often wore it in place of the tightfitting uniform jacket. In warm weather, the coat was rolled up and slung across the shoulder, providing extra protection against sabre cuts.
Russian knapsacks had a horizontal strap connecting the two shoulder straps across the soldier’s chest. The strap has been omitted on these figures.
The hair was cut short in 1806, but the figures still wear a short pigtail.
There is no standardbearer in the set, since flank grenadier companies appear to not have carried flags.
The standing, firing figure is aiming into the sky. The mistake may be corrected by reducing the base thickness underneath the figure’s front foot, bringing the musket back into an almost horizontal position. The figure will lean forward a little, but it looks more realistic.
The drum appears a little small.
Historic Employment
- Line Flank Grenadiers 1805
- Pavlovski Flank Grenadiers 1805–1812
- Flank Grenadiers of the Life Guard Pavlovski Regiment 1813–1814
- The figures may be used as Musketiers, Grenadiers and Jägers of the line, if the mitre cap is replaced by a Kiwer M.1812 (Russian Grenadiers, ESCI). However, since the rolled greatcoat was worn in these units as well, any such conversion is not entirely accurate.
Italeri deserves praise for launching a new Napoleonic theme. The Russian army of the Napoleonic Wars is very popular among collectors and wargamers, and it would be very exciting if Italeri were to launch additional figures for the 1812 and 1813 campaigns, like dragoons or horse artillery wearing the typical Russian cavalry helmet.
Bibliography
- Allevi, Piersergio: Zinnsoldaten, p. 166
- Haythornthwaite, Philip: Uniforms of 1812, Plate 59
- Knötel-Sieg: Handbuch der Uniformkunde, pp. 315-316
- Mollo: Uniforms of the Imperial Russian Army (Poole 1979), No. 45 & 55