New 2025 Cavalry Release! (LEGO-Compatible Napoleonic Wars Minifigures from Aliexpress)

All has been quiet on the LEGO-compatible Napoleonic Wars front for a while now, but we've finally had the release of four new cavalry minifigures on Aliexpress. You can pick them up through this affiliate link.

The line up includes two versions of Lancers of the Guard, wearing the uniforms of the Dutch and Polish uniforms, a Polish Vistula Legion Musketeer, and a French Carabinier. 

Formed in 1810 after the annexation of the Kingdom of Holland, the squadron was composed of Dutch soldiers and modeled after the famed Polish Lancers of the Guard. Known for their striking red uniforms, complete with czapka hats and plumes, they were armed with lances, sabers, and pistols. As elite cavalry, the Dutch Lancers were tasked with important roles, including serving as shock troops in key battles such as the Battle of Waterloo. Despite their bravery and formidable presence, the squadron was disbanded after Napoleon's defeat in 1815, marking the end of their short but prestigious service. 

The minifigure sports a suitable moustache, and very blue eyes. The uniform appears accurate from the images on the sales page - it looks oike there should be a stripe down the side of the leg, which may be visible on the actual model.

Next up, we have the Polish Lancer of the Guard. As is usual with these models, there is some recolouring of the other model to achieve the look, but with a unique face. The Polish Lancers of the Guard were one of the most prestigious cavalry units in the Imperial Guard, and were renowned for their bravery, skill, and striking appearance. Formed in 1807, they wore distinctive uniforms, featuring a tall czapka adorned with a plume, and their primary weapon was the lance, though they also carried sabers and pistols. The Polish Lancers gained a reputation for their fierce charges and disciplined tactics, playing crucial roles in many of Napoleon's key battles, including the Battle of Friedland, the Battle of Borodino, and the Battle of Waterloo. 

We've already met the Vistula legion in the cavalry releases previously with a Uhlan, but now we have an infantryman to also accompany them. The uniform appears pretty accurate from what I can see. 

Finally, we have a French Carabinier. in their stunning brass cuirass, and red plume over a white uniform. This uniform is relevant from 1810 onwards, after Napoleon changed their uniform quite dramatically following significant losses in the Austrian campaign in 1809 to be more similar to a curiassier. Carabiners were the elite of the French heavy cavalry, without having Garde status. They appear to have possibly lost their carbine in the late Napoleonic wars however, instead using a long straight sword like the cuirassiers. I'm not sure how common a monacle was, but it's certainly a nice feature to make this minifigure a bit unique! 

If you like the look of these new releases, you can pick them up through this affiliate link.

The creators of this series of minifigures have hinted that there are more British figures on the way - possibly heavy cavalry (Scots Greys?) and artillery - what has been confirmed as on the way are British infantry in the Belgic Shako - making Waterloo much easier to rebuild!