1870 Prussian painting advice wanted

[Rambunctious Clott]

Hi everyone! I'm hoping some of you knowledgeable folks will be able to answer my questions. What colours should Prussian infantry haversacks, shoulder straps and waist belts be? I can find colour plate evidence for both mid-brown and beige/white bags, and black or white belts/straps, but no consensus or comment on if both are accurate. Help!

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Cant help with question but welcome to the madhouse

[Roy]

Hello 

No idea, to be honest. My first look was Perry Miniatures (no painted examples) then a Google search & I found a .pdf painting guide from Baccus6mm:

"All belting was of black leather. An off white 'bread bag' was slung by a light grey strap across the left shoulder."

Webpage for Baccus FPW painting guides: French + Prussian
https://www.baccus6mm.com/PaintingGuides/FPW/

I don't think it has the confirmed details you're after, though. I think Forum member Leman (the artist formerly known as Dour Puritan) plays/paints FPW, so he might have some answers?

[mollinary]

Leather belts colour depended on whether the soldiers were in musketeer or fusilier battalions. Normal Line infantry regiments had two battalions of musketeers and one of fusiliers. Some regiments were designated "Fusilier Regiments" , with all three battalions being fusiliers. Belting for Fusilier Battalions was black. Belting for musketeer battalions was white. Hope this helps. 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

+1 to the Great Millinery.

The thing you will spot is the 1870 Prussian infantry are cleverly designed so you can't actually see the straps!

[Rambunctious Clott]

Thanks for all the responses, it's really helpful!

What practical difference was there between the characteristics of musketeers and fusiliers? My regiments are being grouped as 3 bases of 10 figures, with 3 bases of 5 to represent skirmishers so I don't know if there was some difference in who fulfilled that role?

[mollinary]

By this time there is no practical difference. They are all trained in the same way and fight in the same way.