COBI French Soldiers Set 20090

COBI's French Soldiers set is built from 41 blocks and contains three figures of Napoleonic French infantry, each from a different branch. New parts were made for this range: shakos, epaulettes, packs, muskets with bayonets and pompoms. All uniforms are printed; no stickers.

How to tell the three apart

They are not three versions of the same soldier. Napoleon's infantry regiments were divided into three kinds of company, and the details on these figures identify which is which.

The fusiliers were the centre companies and the bulk of the army — the line infantry that stood, fired volleys and advanced. Navy blue coat, white trousers, a black felt shako with an eagle plate and the regimental number.

The grenadiers were the elite company, made up of the tallest and strongest men. Originally they threw grenades; by 1800 they were assault troops. Red epaulettes and a tall cap with a red pompom, so that everyone could see where they were.

The voltigeurs were the light company: skirmishers who went ahead of the line in loose order, picking off officers and screening the advance. Green epaulettes and a bugle badge on the shako, and they were chosen for being small and quick rather than large.

A French regiment put all three on the field at once, and knowing which was which told you what was about to happen.

In the COBI range

Part of the Napoleonic Wars series, with Napoleon at Moscow (20091), the Egyptian campaign (20092), the artilleryman (20093), Prussian soldiers (20094) and HMS Victory (20096).

Specifications

Pieces: 41 · Figures: 3 with accessories · Age: 5+ · No stickers