DEL PRADO GRENADIER SERGEANT OF THE OLD GUARD
Overview
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Introduction to the figure
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Historical background: Old Guard Grenadiers 1812
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Collector notes
The Del Prado Grenadier Sergeant of the Old Guard 1812 miniature is a finely detailed, hand‑painted lead alloy figure produced by Ediciones Del Prado. Released as part of their Napoleon’s Infantrymen collection, this single-piece figure is cast in metal—likely lead with zinc alloy—standing approximately 60 mm (1/30 scale), and typically labeled under catalogue SNP 106 or similar. It portrays a senior non‑commissioned officer of Napoleon’s elite Old Guard Grenadiers, dating circa 1812–15, and appears to have been issued mid‑2000s in Del Prado’s distributed magazine series and collector’s line. Secondary‑market pricing generally ranges between £7 and £13 (or approximately US $10–$17), depending on condition and packaging.
Historical Background
The Old Guard Grenadiers formed the apex of Napoleon’s infantry, serving as the Imperial Guard’s heavy infantry regiment. By 1812, they held a reputation as the most experienced and physically imposing soldiers of the Grande Armée. They typically wore bearskin caps, dark blue coats with red facings, gold grenadier badge turnbacks, and carried long fusils or muskets, while Sergeants, such as the one depicted in this Del Prado figure, would also sport chevrons and possibly epaulettes indicating rank. The Old Guard fought notably at the Battle of Borodino (September 7, 1812), and held firm under heavy artillery and infantry fire—helping secure vital positions near the Raevsky Redoubt.
They later distinguished themselves in the 1813–14 campaigns, including Dresden (August 1813), Hanau (October 1813), and during the final defense of France in early 1814. In 1815, during the Hundred Days, they comprised Napoleon’s final line at Waterloo, standing firm at the Emperor’s side until the end. Their elite status derived from rigorous recruitment, a strict height minimum (initially around 180 cm), and extensive combat experience—though by 1815 replacements lowered standards and reduced their elite exclusivity.
Collector Notes
Collectors identify this miniature by the stamp or reference code (often SNP 106 or similar) on the base or packaging, along with the title “Sergeant Old Guard Grenadiers 1812‑15.” The 1/30 scale and ca. 60 mm height match other Del Prado Napoleon’s Infantrymen series figures (planetelegendaire.com). The figure is made of painted lead alloy (lead‑zinc mix) (planetelegendaire.com). On secondary markets like eBay UK, prices range around £6.95 to £12.99 depending on sealed or loose condition (ebay.co.uk). Packaging variants include sealed blister cards from magazine giveaways or loose in collector’s box; condition issues often involve paint wear on bearskin or uniform edges, and minor oxidation.
Notable variants are absent, but some figures show slight pose differences or paint shifts due to hand‐painting. For best value, collectors should inspect the bearskin’s brass plate and sergeant’s chevrons. Overall, excellent condition sealed examples command top prices, while loose figures under $10 remain accessible.
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