Proxy figures for Spain/Latin America in Atlantis

[warbeads]

 

I thought I posted this earlier but it must have been TMP...  

I am looking at some 1889 VSF skirmish/small unit action on Atlantis and I was wondering if I can paint up and use my old excess (unpainted but primed) British Ral Partha British foot and Brit/indian Cavalry for some Spanish/Latin American 1889 VSF forces?   

Was that British equipment even available in 1880's for the Spanish/Argentine/Brazilian/Peruvian/Chilean VSF armies to have used (to equip specialized to Atlantis colonial forces?)   

If it was not available, what do you suggest for substitute semi-historical uniforms?

Oh, and should I stick to historical colors or go for something a bit more colorful - such as Yellow or Orange?

Gracias,

Glenn

[Count Winsky]

Glen,

There is a booklet called "The Pacific War 1879-84" by El Dorado Books which is in black and white but gives very good descriptions of uniforms from the armies of Chile, Peru and Bolivia. 

[HerbyF]

The millitary influence in south America in the mid 19th century seemed to be dominated by the French style, ACW with kepis, French colonials or Franco-Prussian war French. Late in the 19th century the fashion seemed to swing more to the Prussian/German influences.

[carlos marighela]

As HerbyF points out the main foreign influence in South America was French in terms of military fashion. In Brazil this persisted in Brazil past the turn of the century but in other countries, like Chile, Argentina etc there was a pronounced Prussianisation of fashion and military doctrine following the Franco-Prussian War.

The Vinkhuijzen online collection at the NYPL has good studies of the uniforms of the ABC nations.

http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgtitle_tree.cfm?title_id=269277&level=1&tword=.

Armament was widely sourced. Vickers, Whitworth along with German and French arms manufacturers made steady sales in South America, this even included some fairly hefty pieces of artillery. In teh 1890s, during the fourth and final campaign of the Canudos War, the Brazilian Army used a 32pdr siege gun against the consulheiro's followers. Britain was a key financier and source of manufactured goods in the region until well into the 20th C.

The only area where I would suggest there was any persistent British influence in military dress would be the various navies.

[carlos marighela]

For figures any Franco Prussian range would be suitable. In fact as most nations went with dark blue as the base colour, you could just use the same figures with different flags I suppose. Depends on what level of detail and scale you work in. campaign uniforms might be a different proposition. The Brazilian army campaigned in a variety of kit including the blue tunics as well as khaki and off white, with forage caps, kepis and slouch hats mixed in.

[rob_the_robgoblin]

Tiger Miniatures do some colonial Spanish and Cubans.

I really want to get some Cubans just because I love the uniform of the period! They look like they were wearing pyjamas! They are vertically striped blue and white.

[HerbyF]

Old Glory does Spanish American war figures too.

[warbeads]

Doe El Dorado Books have a web site?

Google is flooded with books with "El Dorado" in the title.

[Count Winsky]

I think it came from the South and Central American Historical Society and I think it was published around 1993.  I will search and see if I can find a copy.

Update:  I found the info on the book, but it looks like it might be hard to find.  Info is;

Hooker, Terry D.  The Pacific War 1879-84, (Cunningham, El Dorado Books, 1993)

I also found the following that might help;

http://www.amazon.com/PARAGUAYAN-WAR-Nineteenth-Century-Americas/dp/1901543153/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269446353&sr=1-1

[argsilverson]

The millitary influence in south America in the mid 19th century seemed to be dominated by the French style, ACW with kepis, French colonials or Franco-Prussian war French. Late in the 19th century the fashion seemed to swing more to the Prussian/German influences.

Some countries and armies were similar to the Prussian uniforms (see Chile ) complete with pickelhaubes etc.

So as stated by other Franco-Prussian figures are most suitable.
If you need some more odd appearance you may also use mexicans in shako/kepi from Maximilian wars like Foundry. Outpost has also some in kepis that could be suitable but I think their weapons are more modern than VSF.
For naval units you may use spanish sailors (by Old glory) or for mexico better to use US sailors (also by OG).

[ushistoryprof]

Don't forget that it is VSF so you do have some ability to play with reality.  I hate to see good figures wasting away with no purpose so here are some ideas to look at. If you have old British style uniformed figures what about using them as a mercenary group allied with the main government forces or write up an alliance between Britain and your home country where the British supply uinforms in the British cut but in the home countries colours.  If all else fails remember that many hard up for cash governments at the time period had the "planned uniform" and the reality of buying what ever they could afford.  It's your army so have some fun.

[Whiskyrat]

I am looking at some 1889 VSF skirmish/small unit action on Atlantis and I was wondering if I can paint up and use my old excess (unpainted but primed) British Ral Partha British foot and Brit/indian Cavalry for some Spanish/Latin American 1889 VSF forces?   

Perhaps the Brits have loaned the govt. a bunch of military advisors in exchange for mineral/oil rights?

As ushistoryprof says, there are lots of ways that a small Latin American country can link with the Empire - or create your own country - Latveria/Ruritania? mind here. 

[warbeads]

Book ordered    from onmilitarymatters.com just now.   

Gracias,

Glenn