Mexican war of liberation 1807-1821 anyone?

[traveller]

Can anyone give advice on Spanish uniforms in Mexico during the independence struggle in Mexico 1807-1821. It is tempting to use Spanish Napoleonic figures but maybe they would be incorrect?

[Malamute]

I felt compelled to reply
Unfortunately the war is 15 years too early for my knowledge to kick in.

 I have oftern wondered about what the Spanish wore. Its probably going to be Napoleonic, as the soon to be Presidente Santa Anna based his army on Napoleons?

[Galloping Major]

I would expect the same as Nick, very Napoleonic looking.

It might be worth looking for illustrations by Joseph Hefter, late Mexican illustrator of things military. He illustrated a book of Uniforms of the Mexican Soldier 1837- 1848, but did lots of earlier and later stuff too. I remember having a copy of a set of prints by him, Lord knows where they are now. I'll have a dig when I get chance and see what I can find (no promises).

In the late eighteenth century Presidial lancers were wearing the quilted coat and carrying those weird big shields, I seem to remember, so maybe still in 1807-1831. I remember an illustration by Ron Embleton showing a pretty similar uniform for presidials in the 1820s.

www.gallopingmajorwargames.com

[traveller]

Thanks for your response. The only info I have found is the Osprey MAA321 Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars 1 1793-1808. But this unit apparently never went over the Atlantic.






Image from NYPL


The Spanish Napoleonic uniforms are quite diverse, many different colours etc so it would be nice to find some more detailed info. Malamute, you can maybe blend in the Spanish in your Zorro plot!

[the commissar]

I have the "Liberators!" book which concentrates on the liberation campaigns in South America (so somewhat further south than Mexico).

I am guessing that the Spanish uniforms would be basically the same for regulars. I also expect they would be just as poorly supplied. So I think that they would have campaigned in bell topped shakos with white covers, the white tail less jacket (or sleeved waistcoat) with various coloured facings on collar and cuffs. Flank coys with shoulder rolls or eppaulettes and "sardientas"(sp?) and white trousers worn over gaiters.   

[traveller]

I have the "Liberators!" book which concentrates on the liberation campaigns in South America (so somewhat further south than Mexico).

I am guessing that the Spanish uniforms would be basically the same for regulars. I also expect they would be just as poorly supplied. So I think that they would have campaigned in bell topped shakos with white covers, the white tail less jacket (or sleeved waistcoat) with various coloured facings on collar and cuffs. Flank coys with shoulder rolls or eppaulettes and "sardientas"(sp?) and white trousers worn over gaiters.   

Somewhat late, but could the Perry Isabelinos qualify?

http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html

[joroas]

No, they have an 1830s style uniform, a simpler style than Napoleonics.