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Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: Redshank on March 02, 2022, 10:02:32 AM

Title: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: Redshank on March 02, 2022, 10:02:32 AM
I am embarking on Franco-Prussian War and considering acquiring reference books for uniforms.

There is Osprey, but some of the books are early 1990s, and I know opinions can change over time as fresh evidence comes to light. That said the reviews on amazon are generally very good and Bruce Weigle says nice things about them in the bibliography of his 1870 rules.

I have come across a rather more expensive two-volume set published by Verlag, "FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR 1870-71 Uniforms and Equipment of the German and French Armies", but that is pushing £180, although probably I could find it cheaper 2nd-hand. Published 2020. Can't find much in the way of reviews.

Interested in any views on these or other sources. I am looking to make a lifetime investment for a conflict I expect to return to for more than one project (10mm and maybe 28mm skirmish later on). I don't mind parting with the cash if it's a worthwhile investment, but I don't want to spraff money up the wall.
Title: Re: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: GDH66 on March 02, 2022, 10:44:16 PM
I have the three volume set of books produced by Outpost Wargames Services. They give a brief overview of the conflict, organisation of all the forces involved and very detailed uniform information for all the forces involved in the war. They are not glossy books with lots of pretty pictures but are none the less comprehensive.
Volume 1 covers the Imperial French
Volume 2 the North German Confederation
Volume 3 the South German Confederation and Republican French.

Hope that helps

Title: Re: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: Old Contemptable on March 03, 2022, 04:40:02 AM
Not a book, but this might help.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/59568506@N02/collections/72157720427647818/
Title: Re: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: Arthur on March 03, 2022, 08:59:43 PM
Editions Heimdal have a book covering the entirety of the French army. The text is in French but that shouldn't be a problem as the book is heavily illustrated with 140 colour plates :

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Larmée-Napoléon-III-dans-guerre/dp/2840485117/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NEBJDIFZ2TG4&keywords=L%27armee+de+napoleon+iii+-+dans+la+guerre+de+1870&qid=1646341096&s=books&sprefix=l+armee+de+napoleon+iii+-+dans+la+guerre+de+1870%2Cstripbooks%2C45&sr=1-1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Larmée-Napoléon-III-dans-guerre/dp/2840485117/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NEBJDIFZ2TG4&keywords=L%27armee+de+napoleon+iii+-+dans+la+guerre+de+1870&qid=1646341096&s=books&sprefix=l+armee+de+napoleon+iii+-+dans+la+guerre+de+1870%2Cstripbooks%2C45&sr=1-1)
Title: Re: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on March 03, 2022, 10:37:59 PM
The Heimdal book is excellent. Perfect for the painter with clear precise pictures which cover all the units including the numerous Francs Tireur units.

The Verlag book is a wonderful tour de force. Filled with glorious photographs of period artefacts. It's worth every penny, a real collectors item.

Buy the first one, save up for the second if you really love the period.



Title: Re: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: vtsaogames on March 03, 2022, 11:07:27 PM
Quote from: Old Contemptable on March 03, 2022, 04:40:02 AM
Not a book, but this might help.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/59568506@N02/collections/72157720427647818/

Wow! Very nice!
Title: Re: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: huevans on March 08, 2022, 12:51:17 AM
https://www.amazon.com/Armies-Bismarcks-Wars-Prussia-1860-67-ebook/dp/B00FOGFZB4/ref=pd_sim_6/138-2007371-4214806?pd_rd_w=6AWhG&pf_rd_p=b2bd2b3a-dfe3-42d5-bde0-cc027c349493&pf_rd_r=FV985R5X6FJVPGQ7M4DM&pd_rd_r=96b5048f-f903-4a90-ba5e-58e0c5d11174&pd_rd_wg=YrkWE&pd_rd_i=B00FOGFZB4&psc=1
Title: Re: Best reference for FPW uniforms?
Post by: Redshank on March 10, 2022, 08:31:20 AM
Thanks much for all the responses, very useful stuff.