It was really the Franco-Austrian or Second War of Italian Independence which triggered my interest in the "hyphenated wars" of the 19th century and at one point I had a 15mm Austrian army long before I collected French or Prussian forces. So when I kicked of the FPW project I knew it would be extended back to 1859.
I've had some of Piran's Warriors 28mm Austrians for a while. Initially I had just enough for a skirmish game so some expansion was needed to bring their numbers up. I knew that Pirans were due to expand their range so I dropped them a line.
Originally comprising just line infantry in mixed poses and Hussars, the range now has Jäger, Uhlans and Cuirassiers. The infantry now have a marching pose to supplement their firing and loading poses. I understand that artillery and command are in the pipeline too.
The figures are chunky and well sculpted and fit in very well with my existing Ironclad Miniatures French. I really like the marching pose, but the Jager are very nice. The Uhlans are an essential for an Austrian army. But IMHO, the best of the cavalry are the Cuirassiers, the sculpting style brings out the best of these big men in armour.
(Not finished mine, so some shots off the Pirans Warriors Website)
I have decided that Austrian units will comprise of 4 stands compared to the 3 of French and Prussian units. That's because their regiments were 4 battalions strong in 1859, usually forming brigades of 1 battalion of Jager or Grenz infantry and a single regiment. Field uniform for line, Jager and Grenz was a lose fitting, double breasted, white tunic for all three types of unit and light blue trousers for line and Grenz and grey ones for Jager. Shako's for line and Grenz were covered in a black waterproof cover while the Jager wore a version of their famous hat, the brim raised on both sides. Crossbelts etc were black for Grenz and Jager and white for line. A simple combination of white and grey or blue but one which looks good on the tabletop.
1859 Austrians from the Osprey "The Austrian Army 1836-66 (1)"
North Star do 1866 Austrians but, swathed in greatcoats, you miss the brightness. You might argue that an 1866 army can be used against Prussians and Danes of '64, so you get two wars to play, but then the Austrians of '59 fought the French with Guard, Zouaves and Turcos all heavily involved and they fought the Piedmontese both on the plains of Lombardy but also against Garibaldi's column in the hills, plenty variety there.
So who to match these figures to? Right now....Ironclad French (if you don't mind the lack of epaulettes), Athena miniatures do French Guard and Turco/Zouaves. Both of these companies figures are similar in style. Great War Miniatures Crimean French in Kepi are spot on in terms of kit and uniform. There are ranges from Gringo40's, Cibo's Little Dudes and Shako64 and Mirliton. And if you have an eye on what the Perry's are up to, their French will also be usable.
