Egyptian cuirassiers

[FierceKitty]

There are tantalising references to cuirassiers in the Khedival army, but hard data are not easily come by. Does anyone have any information?

[sultanbev]

I have seen a picture in the past, you could get away with using French Napoleonic Cuirassiers if I recall correctly. There is a book on the 1870s Egyptian army but I couldn't get it, even the British Library couldn't. That was pre-internet days though. I think they weren't around by the time the Brits got involved seriously.

[FierceKitty]

Much obliged. Maybe I'll give them a miss then.

[Hertsblue]

Would you wear a steel plate in 40 degree heat? Shorts and a tee-shirt was bad enough! 

[Jim Ando]

Hi

There`s a photo in black powder and they look more like chain mail clad medieval sipahi. More in common with the crusades than napoleon.

Jim.

[FierceKitty]

I may have seen that picture. Any idea if they were a regiment, or irregulars, some of whom may have dug out great-granddad's mailshirt from the attic?

[Aart Brouwer]

In the Vinkhuijzen collection you will find (under "Egypt 1820-1889") both a "Cavaliere Egizeano" and a horsey gentleman purported to be of the "Zwarte Lijfwacht der Khedive" ("Black Bodyguard of the Khedive") both of whom appear to be wearing body armour.

Cheers,
Aart

[tschuma]

Based on the Perry 28mm Cuirassiers, you could almost use the Dark Age Arab Heavy Cavalry AB9.  It has a Lance instead of a sword, but that could be modified and maybe remove the shield.

[sultanbev]

there is a TMP thread on them:
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=201576

appears 100 men strong unit at best

Mark