DEL PRADO TROOPER, FRENCH DRAGOONS
Overview
Introduction
History Section
Collector Notes
This review examines Del Prado’s SNP009 “Trooper, French Dragoons” miniature from the Cavalry of the Napoleonic Wars series. Its manufacturer is Del Prado with production in Hong Kong. It represents a French dragoon trooper circa 1810 in Napoleonic uniform. Notably, it comes factory-painted in tin alloy and approximately 1:30–1:32 scale, released around the early 2000s as part of the weekly partwork series. As a collector item, it appeals for its historical detail, workmanship, and accessible price point in secondary markets.
Historical Background
The miniature depicts a French dragoon cavalryman around circa 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars, specifically part of the Grande Armée’s mounted forces. French dragoons in this era served as medium cavalry, armed typically with carbine, sabre, and often a pistol, and they wore the characteristic pillbox shako (later steel helmet for dragoon grenadiers) with colored plume, richly detailed tunics, and distinctive facings indicating regiment and role. They played critical roles in reconnaissance, charges, and holding lines against infantry or enemy cavalry. By 1810, France had consolidated many of its dragoon regiments following extensive campaigns across Europe.
In the 1809 campaign against Austria leading to the Battle of Wagram (July 5–6, 1809), dragoons were instrumental in breaking Austrian positions in combined arms assaults. Their mobility and shock power contributed significantly to Napoleon’s victory, which forced Austria into the Treaty of Schönbrunn on October 14, 1809. Moreover, dragoons participated at the 1812 invasion of Russia and later in retreat actions, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Opposing forces included Austrian, Russian, Prussian, and allied cavalry, often fielding similar medium or heavy cavalry units. Uniform details were regionally specific, but typical dragoon attire included green jackets with contrasting facings—often red or yellow—silver or brass epaulettes, breeches, and tall boots.
Leather equipment such as cartridge boxes, sabre belts, and saddle cloths bore unit insignia. Their mounts wore shabraques or saddlecloths colored to match regimental facings, often edged with braids or departmental symbols. The French dragoons’ impact extended beyond tactical contribution: they embodied the Napoleonic cavalry’s prestige and the Emperor’s emphasis on versatile, mobile forces able to operate in various theatres of war. Overall, the 1810-era French dragoon trooper represents a potent symbol of Napoleonic military professionalism and the importance of cavalry in early 19th-century warfare.
Collector Notes
Identification tips: Look for the SNP009 code and partwork blister pack packaging, including the accompanying Osprey-type booklet indicating “Cavalry of the Napoleonic Wars.” The figure is tin-alloy (often described as diecast or painted lead) and stands approximately 1:30 to 1:32 scale, around 4 inches tall (lastdodo.com). Variants: While SNP009 is generic ‘French Dragoons, c. 1810,’ similar figures include SNC035 (1809 variant) and SNC073 (16th Dragoons, 1814) with subtle uniform differences such as plume color or shabraque patterns (collectisgirona.com). Paint apps: Factory-painted with vivid uniform detail but prone to minor paint chips, particularly on plume, edges, or base (treefrogtreasures.com). Packaging: Typically sealed in blister pack with cardboard backing and an insert featuring historical text.
Packaging condition significantly impacts value; dents or faded blister reduce desirability (collectisgirona.com). Market pricing: On secondary market, used examples sell around US $15 plus shipping, while mint-in-blister versions range higher, often $25–$35 depending on condition and completeness of booklet (ebay.com). Common defects: Aside from paint wear, watch for bent sabres, loose parts, or yellowing blister. Display cases or bubble wrap can help protect these delicate pieces.
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