Uniforms assortment question

[Sinewgrab]

So, a bit of a cross post here, as no-one in the VSF section seems to want to answer, but what precedent is there in the late 1800's for militaries having very different uniforms in various units?  Am I going to be blowing all sorts of conventions out of the water if I mix models with differing uniforms, or would mixing one infantry uniform with another based on branch or such be within the bounds of doctrine?  Can I call one 'tropical dress' and the other standard gear?  I want at least a shred of truth in my science fiction, but I can't find what I would consider a definitive answer out there.

[Will Bailie]

This page shows the diversity to be found in the military, police and naval uniforms within the German Empire: http://www.germancolonialuniforms.co.uk

It should give you some idea of how diverse things can be within a single empire.

And see if you can find a copy of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Vanished-Armies-Military-Observed-Countries/dp/0747807396
Vanished Armies shows examples of real-world uniforms for Britain, Germany, France, Austro-Hungary and a few other European powers in the years leading up to the Great War.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Sinewgrab]

Beautiful!  I knew I had seen something like this before, but my google fu was weak last week.