Kalmuks (sometimes spelled Kalmucks or Kalmyks) and Bashkirs, are examples of several tribal groups which live semi-autonomously within Imperial Russia during the period. The Kalmucks are a Mongol people, vs those of Bashkir and Mishar descent, who are identified in Russia as ‘Tartars’ or ‘Cossacks’ as they are integrated into Russian rule. Kalmucks and Bashkirs remain semi-autonomous and, like the cossacks, pledge military support in time of need.

Unfortunately, we don't presently offer uniform plates for these tribal horsemen in our uniform guides, so that obviously limits what I can provide. They are generally armed with bows, spears, and edged weapons, and their clothing is typically depicted with a very north-Asian tribal appearance as one might associate with their location and origin.

I found a Knoetel color plate of a Kalmuck officer in Napoleonic Uniforms v.4, by John R. Elting.  It's the Russian Army plate 30, on page 586.  I wasn't able to scan the print to send you a copy, but the associated verbiage reads:

"Plate 30.  1st regiment, Kalmuck Army, Officer, 1812-1813 

     "The Kalmucks were a remnant people, descendants of Mongol tribes which had remained along the lower Volga and eventually came under Russian rule.  Their 'army' consisted of 3 regiments.  In general, they wore the uniform of the Don Cossacks, with this distinctive headgear--a version of the polish confederatka, an early type of schapska.  They were supposed to have the imperial cypher, surrounded by a laurel crown, on their cartridge boxes.

     "This officer wears the winter uniform, with a knee-length overcoat (caftan) and an officer's regulation plume, cap cordon, embroidery, and sash.  In 1814 epaulets replaced the shoulder straps.  Note the whip."

The officer's headgear is a schapska with a black fur turban (cap cordon), yellow upper section, white metal edging for the flat upper part, white cords, and a thin black chin strap.  The schabraque is dark blue with a red edging stripe.  Overcoat is dark blue, with collar and round cuffs piped red.  Cuffs do not appear to have flaps.  White or silver decorative lace appears on the collar and cuffs, and probable rank insignia are shown on both shoulder boards.  Overalls are dark blue with a red stripe on the outer seam.  The cartridge-case belt is black leather, slung over the left shoulder.  It has a pistol lanyard attached high on the left breast of the belt, and the pistol is thrust through the normal Russian company-grade officer's sash.

It might be possible to use Austrian, Polish, or Russian Uhlan figures and paint them in Don Cossack uniform colors to represent Kalmucks.

Ken Valentine