Looking for a Rani? India 1857

 

Above Blue Moon's Rani of Jhansi. Smart, brave and well liked yet. Venerated even. The late Angus McBride was a wonderful illustrator. He painted the Rani like this. Many thanks to Iain below in the comments who reminded me of this splendid image.

Back to our model with a better look at her face.

Time was we had Irregular, Dixon and Blue Moon to represent the epic Indian struggles of 1857. Irregular is gone now. All the same they may turn up second hand and so are included.

Here we see the Rani accompanied by an Irregular Bugler and officer. Not a bad fit I think. Let's do more.

I bought the Blue Moon Indian Command pack in the hope that it would fit with my existing collection. You may judge if it does by the pic’s below.

 

Here is her nibs with a base of Dixon Indian Cavalry.  Not such a good fit is it? Now things get odd. Below, Dixon infantry protect the Rani.

 

This is a very good fit. Indeed, better than that between Dixon mounted and foot.

Now to Irregular Miniatures infantry with the Rani. 

A tad small I think. 

Not so above with the Dixon Cavalry. Very compatible I’d say.

I cannot advise on the Blue Moon infantry as I have none. I can tell you that Blue Moon infantry can be bigger or smaller. The 7YW are bigger than the ’45 fellows. The former match Old Glory, the latter Essex Miniatures. If the Blue Moon 1857 offering is among the smaller fellows they will do. If not they won’t.

To conclude I can see Dixon Miniatures infantry and Blue Moon/ Irregular cavalry working very nicely together. While the Dixon Cavalry go really well with the irregular infantry. Separate units enable a wider selection.

Here is the artillery. Dixon first.

Irregular Miniatures next.

I hope this is useful for those contemplating a new collection or just additions to an existing one.

Addendum

I couldn’t help being inspired by Angus McBride’s rendition of Lakshmi Bai Rani of Jhansi. Mine I thought was a bit plain by comparison. I reached for my brushes. 

Much better. Thanks again Iain.