Bavarian Uniform Notes, Infantry

There has been much conjecture about the ‘correct’ colour for Bavarian Army cornflower blue, ranging from very pale blue, to grey blue, to a darker blue; this project has settled on a medium blue. Apparently even now there isn’t an official standard for Bavarian Blue, though the flag usually features a medium pale blue. The following composites show quite an extensive range of colour references for the historic uniform plus a swatch of what is usually used on current official flags.

Foundry Miniatures retail a Bavarian Cornflower Blue paint set that is actually quite close to the Vallejo colours (and mixes) used for this project. 

Standard bearer of the 12th Infantry Regiment in 1870 - note the flag is apparently buttoned or riveted to the pole, and the pole is black with a brass footer, while out of image the pole is topped with a brass seated lion:

The regimental standard had an L or M monogram in each of the four corners, but in overpainting the flags the letter has been blurred so that it is indistinguishable.

And modelled as the 12th, albeit without the Sergeant’s collar rank:

Note that almost all infantry regiments used this style of flag, with by 1875 only the 1st and 13th being exceptions:

Drummer of the 5th Infantry Regiment in 1870; note the yellow ‘musician’ piping to collar and cuffs:

And modelled as the 12th:

For more detailed information on Bavarian uniforms of the Franco-Prussian War, see www.2empire.de.