"Natal Mounted Police as Natal Carbineers?" Topic

So I'm fleshing out my 28mm Zulu War forces, and I'm trying to buy wherever possible from U.S. sources to avoid the tariff fees.

Got most of my metals from Perry and Empress, so had to pay some duties.

But in this particular case, I'm looking at getting some Natal Carbineers, both mounted and dismounted.

Age of Glory, the U.S. store for Empress currently has in stock the Natal Mounted Police. In doing a very quick bit of visual research, it looks like both the mounted police and Carbineers of the period had very similar uniforms and gear.

Blue jackets, although I saw both single row of buttons and the black frog fasteners, I don't know if they were exclusive to either unit or if the ranke and file wore both.

Gear and firearms also look very similar, white belts and pouches, and they all had the Martini Henry carbine? That's an assumption on my part.

Looks like identical helmets with the spike and unit plate on the front.

So do you think in 28mm scale I could use mounted police minis. as Natal Carbineers, or are they too distinctly different?

I wanted to check my books before answering you. Based on my research I would say you are good to go.

I have RalPartha 25mm and they had Natal Mounted Police as a mounted pack. I used the Dragoon Guards for Natal Carabiners.

Painting can make all the difference when using the same figures for two different units.

Thank you kindly Colonel!

Have you looked at Old Glory?

Cavcrazy, Good call they have NMP both mounted and on foot.

Lot's of other options there as well. If you buy into the Old Glory Army, you can recoup to cost in your first order. Always need more Zulus.

AW miniatures have painted examples of both for comparison.