Imperial Austrian

[sijeet]

I'm thinking of building an Imperial Austrain army which I can morph for the whole 16th century ie Italian wars to 1590. I like the Mikes Models figures sold by Essex and just want to check a few things re historical compatability of different troops:
1. When did Landschnects stop wearing fancy clothing eg slashed sleeves, feathers, cod pieces etc? Is 1590 to much of a stretch
2. For cuirassiers could I use 30 years war pistoliers in 3/4 armour?
3. I presume closed / open visor type helmets would be more historical ie earlier than lobster pots for a late 16 century cuirassier.
4. Would the cuirassier armour be painted black like reiters?
Ty for your help.

[stecal]

I think you are safe 1550-1590 with Pluderhosen for Catholic armies. Not the same as the tighter fitting slashed clothing of the Early Italian wars. Protestants wore more somber clothing.

Cuirassiers did not change very much. Essex makes an late 16th C. cuirassier figure with a chainmail coif as well.

Cuirassiers usually were black armored

[sijeet]

Thanks for the reply. Was pluderhosen worn later than Italian Wars? Essex mikes models range sell Landschneckt with and without pluderhosen. I was thinking of mixing them for variety, would this be wrong?

[stecal]

pluderhosen were worn roughtly between 1550 -1580 +- 10 years, so i think you are safe