Cossack Infantry

[Viper4Dan]

Scholars & Gentlemen Gamers, can one of you direct me to a company that makes 25/28mm dismounted Cossack figure that are appropriate for RCW or even WWII?

[Ataman]

Steppe Cossacks (Don, Astrakhan, Siberian, Amur, Transbaikal, Ussuri, Yenisey, Semirechensk) all wore identical uniforms to the regular Russian infantry of the period. The only noticeable differences at 28mm scale will be the colour of their shoulderboards, breeches, caps and some wearing a Cossack style papakha. Most of these can be ignored as well, especially during WW1 where even the Cossacks tended to not wear coloured items frequently; though they did make a rapid comeback into fashion during the RCW. Even the Caucasian hosts (Kuban, Terek,) along with their Christian Caucasian allies largely wore standard uniforms in the field.

However, I have an inkling feeling you are looking for the classic Cherkesska clad Cossacks. I remember quite well a site that does them, though for the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. However, the uniform is almost identical to that worn during WW1/RCW so the only necessary conversion will be for the rifle. I'll see if I can dig up the link somewhere.

EDIT: Found it, Outpost Wargame Services. Just check the 'Ranges' section and the War of 1877 gallery should be there.

If you are looking for dismounted Steppe Cossacks, than I recommend Copplestone Castings BoB range and Brigade miniatures Storm in the East. Both have excellent WW1/RCW infantry that can easily be used as Cossacks

[Viper4Dan]

Thanks Ataman. That's not only helpful, but makes painting much easier. I'm looking at doing a unit of Don Cossack infantry for my RCW army in 28mm. Let's face it, you can always field a unit of Cossacks in  some army somewhere in the period.

[cuprum]

Hello.
In the Cossack troops there during WWI and RCW existed regular battalions of foot. The Cossacks, who served in these units, called "plastuns" (scouts).
In the steppe of Cossack troops they had no noticeable differences from the Army Corps as Ataman correctly written.
But the Caucasian Cossacks wore their traditional uniforms and rarely dressed in army uniform overall. On the contrary, the uniforms of the Caucasian sample there was a fashion, and many officers have sought the right to wear it.
Here are photos plastun:

[Mark Plant]

Thanks Ataman. That's not only helpful, but makes painting much easier. I'm looking at doing a unit of Don Cossack infantry for my RCW army in 28mm.

The Don Host fielded both Cossack and non-Cossack infantry. You can even field a Guards regiment. I assume you mean plastoons.

http://www.pygmywars.com/barendspages/steppehosts/donnotes/donnotes.html

Let's face it, you can always field a unit of Cossacks in some army somewhere in the period.

Not really true of the Don. They fought separately in 1918. There was a little bit of units being lent back and forth in 1919, but not a great deal and very few infantry. In the Crimea the Don units were bracketed largely with other Cossacks. (Kuban and Terek Cossacks are more flexible in terms of who they fought with.)

However, the Don plastoons look pretty similar to normal White infantry, so it's not a big issue.