Which Russian flag to use?

[Will Bailie]

I'm painting up some Russian infantry for Central Asia ca 1877-1885.  The army includes a couple of standard bearers,and I need to decide what flag to give them.

I'd prefer to use a national or state flag rather than a complicated regimental colour - painting a tricolour (or trikolor) is a lot easier than anything involving a double-headed eagle!  So, should I try the white-red-blue flag adopted in 1883, or use the Alexander II black-yellow-white flag?  Or is it completely wrong for me to use either of these and should I be painting another flag altogether?

Alexander II flag (1858-1883)


Russia State Flag (1883-1917)


As always, thanks for your help!

w