Hi to everyone,

The American Civil War was fought with much style in the uniforms taken up on both sides perhaps one of the most famous was the Union 3rd New Jersey Cavalry who adopted a hussar style uniform full of braiding and flamboyance....so much so they were nicknamed "The Butterflys" .

This unit is the chosen subject of a bust release from Dolman Miniatures

As I like to lets have some history about this unit , the drive to get recruits was done in a wave of patriotism on both sides using recruiting posters offering everything to entice the potential soldier least not the uniform.

When the Civil War broke out in April 1861, state volunteers regiments on both sides marched into battle wearing a dazzling -- and downright confusing -- kaleidoscope of colorful uniforms.

The hussars never caught on to any similar degree in the U.S. Army. Some state militia units like the 3rd New York Hussars affected the uniform while drilling at home but almost never wore it in battle.

By 1862, the two sides had sorted themselves into blue and gray, and as the realities of a hard, protracted war set in, uniforms swiftly evolved into a simple, functional form.

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By the end of 1863, most regiments on both sides were more intent on getting the war

over than on worrying about how they looked.

Then, early in 1864, a new uniform appeared in the ranks of the Union Army of

the Potomac. In marked contrast to the Army's standard complements of blue-clad troopers rode the 3rd New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry Regiment

.

Variously known as the 1st United States Hussars and the Trenton Hussars, the cavalrymen of the 3rd were widely referred to by their comrades in arms as the "Butterflies"

The uniforms worked both as an incentive to the men to wear proudly and to impress the ladies when not on the battlefield .

Troopers wore pantaloons of sky-blue cloth with a yellow stripe -- the cavalry color -- down the sides. Jackets were dark blue, with three rows of large, burnished bell buttons on the breast. Again in contrast to the side-buttoned frogging on the genuine hussar jacket, that of the 3rd New Jersey was really a cut-down version of the standard Union cavalryman's jacket, buttoned down the middle. There were, however, two additional rows of burnished bell buttons down either side, with gold/yellow frogging added across the breast and still more gold/yellow cord sewn on the back seams and sleeves.

Officers' uniforms were even fancier, with more gold cord and trappings. To make the jaunty hussar cap, a peakless Union forage cap was simply turned sideways. A blue hooded cloak -- or talma -- lined in orange completed the hybrid outfit.

Another similar unit was the Benton Hussars, also known as Joseph Nemitt's Cavalry Battalion, were raised in St. Louis in late 1861. Their uniformsreversed the standard Union Army colors, with light-blue jackets and dark-blue trousers. Black braids were arrayed across the jacket in hussar fashion, but unlike the genuine article, in which ornate frogging across the breast was fastened to buttons on one side or the other, the Benton Hussar jacketbuttoned in the middle, the same as any other U.S. Army jacket. An 1851pattern cloth shako served as headgear until it was eventually phased out infavor of the standard Union kepi.

Fancy uniforms do not normally withstand the rigours of campaigning and the men often wore standard uniforms when in the field.

As always books are easily found on the Civil War including the Osprey series and of course the fine books from Mr Don Troiani and others , all making great reading and additions to the bookshelf!!!

Continued in next thread

Nap

Lets have a look at the resin now

Details of the release are :

Title: 3rd New Jersey Cavalry "The Butterfly Hussars"

Reference: B11

Scale: 1/9th

Material: Resin and White Metal

No of pieces: 5

Sculptor: TBC

Box Art: Eduardo Sanchez


As always the contents were held in a clear flip over container with the parts being held in clear bags surrounded by additional packing in the form of bubble wrap.

Parts consist of 5 gray resin parts , the torso, the head , the arms , the white metal pieces are the left hand plus Spencer rifle and the mechanism for the rifle , there is no base included , a card insert is however with a non painted version of the model.

Begining as always with the largest of the pieces the torso , prep needed was just the removal of the casting plug from the underside and the sanding down of 2 fine lines ...nothing too difficult, first impressions was that this is super smooth all over and it is that really smooth .

I must comment and thank Dolman for the way they have done the arm area , this is a really good fit when in position with a large cutout being worked into the torso on both sides , ready to receive the corresponding plugs on the arms(more later).

The main thing to notice is the wonderful rendition of the braiding both on the front and the back , very well defined in all area's , making painting easier and a pleasure , each braid on the chest is separate with the buttons being proud as they should be .

The collar area is again with lacework and this is treated with the same skill , the inside has a cut out ready to receive the head/neck.

Belts are included with both being well done , with good buckle work and tight undercuts.

On now to the arms the right arm first prep was the sanding down of the casting remnant on the plug , after which fit was very good with no filler needed the arm is cut off at just below the shoulder to reveal the rank cheverons , these are extremely well worked .

The left arm now , prep needed was to sand down the small excess of resin at the plug on the wrist , nothing else , fit into the shoulder is spot on again with no filler required. This is the full arm less the gloved hand , nice trefoils are seen at the wrist , again being treated with the same skill as the braiding on the torso, , cheverons are worn as expected .

On now to the head , just a bit of sanding on the underside of the plug and then the fit into the collar area
is great , I particularly like the fact that Eduardo has angled round the neck area as well for an even better fit .
Our Hussar wears the side turned cap in a jaunty style , the top pushed down, the creases being well done , on the top we have the crossed swords with the 3 , with this 3 also being seen at the front , all the insignia is well worked and nicely defined , he has his chin strap on adding a little bit more panache to the look...definately a ladies man and out to impress .
Facial features are well done , nice work on the nose and eye area's with a very tidy moustache being in evidence ...this hussar is looking his best .

Now to the White Metal bits , the left gloved hand and the Spencer rifle , you will need to fit the finely worked mechanism ...be careful as its so small but so well done , this is all that you need to do as the casting is spotless in all area's I looked at under my optivisor !!!

We don't often see white metal in our resin world now but the standard achieved by Eduardo is top notch ,it is so finely worked and cast ..a pleasure to share , the glove is nicely done part with the fingers being really good as well , they are worked around the stock of the weapon very naturally .

The weapon is a real cracking piece of casting , not a blemish ..enough said I think!!

Fit is as expected great with a cutout being ready to receive the plug on the wrist area , when fitted the rifle is hled on the shoulder at a very cocky stance ...again adding that little something ...perhaps he was showing off his weapon to the ladies !!!!!


Final thoughts

This is a extremely well sculpted piece well thought out which fits together with minimal work , great braiding all over , nice work on the folds on the clothing where required , the mix of resin and w/m works well ...the result ..... a very dashing butterfly epitomising the period and the unit depicted.

For more details on this and other releases go to the website at:

www.dolmanminiatures.com

or visit Dolman at F/B at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dolman-Miniatures

at F/B you will also see videos on this and other releases .

Thanks to Dolman for the Review model

and to you all for looking in

Nap

Hi Guys ,

Here are pictures of the painted version by Eduardo and some of the unpainted version as well ...enjoy

Nap

Thanks Eduardo nice looking box art set up

Enjoyed doing this review for you

The full figures pose looks good ...75mm ?

Nap

This is a 3D print Ron

See the original release post from Eduardo .

Nap