Matchlock 25mm vs Orion 1/72, Boxer foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes from the “Late 19th/Early 20th Century & Boxer Rebellion” range currently offered by Minifigs under the Matchlock brand. The figures were originally sculpted and released under the Falcon Miniatures name (not to be confused with Falcon Figures).

The model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

The full line covers French Foreign Legion, Turks, German Southwest Africa, Russians, Japanese, Boxers and various African forces.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured to head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

This line was reintroduced in February 2011. It can be found on the Minifigs website, by selecting the “Matchlock” label.

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/

Foot figures in this range are being sold for £1.10, with mounted figures retailing for £2.55

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Orion figures are from box 72009 “Boxer Rebellion, 1900-1901.” The box contains 42 figures in 21 poses. Orion does not currently produce any other sets for this conflict, or for the period in general.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

Orion introduced this set in 2004, and it can still be found at various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Orion 1/72 Vikings vs Garrison 25mm Saxon, foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Orion (A,C) with a single metal warrior from Garrison (B). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure is from Garrison Wargames Figures and comes from their 25mm Medieval range. Garrison uses the code “HS 10” to describe this figure, which they call “Saxon fyrdman with throwing axe.”

The Medieval range from Garrison includes 12 Saxon poses, 11 Normans, and 14 Vikings (2 of them mounted).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 26mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal Medievals retail for £0.60 each, and can be ordered directly from the Garrison website:

http://www.garrisonminiatures.com/index.asp

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was kindly provided by Rob Young at Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Orion figures are from box 72004 “Sea Warriors: Vikings, VIII-XI Century.” The box contains 46 figures in 23 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Orion box is currently available, although it is not widely carried. However, it can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic and a donation from Liam Sullivan.

25mm Rose Prestige and Garrison Comparisons

I will be posting more detailed comparisons of the figures shown above later in the year. However, since I have received a request to show some, I decided to put together this overview.

The images above feature the following:

Top Picture:
A. Orion 72004 Viking
B. Zvezda 8046 Viking
C. Garrison 25mm Saxon Fyrdman
D. Emhar 7205 Viking
E. Airfix 01734 Ancient Briton (also re-issued by HaT)

Middle Picture
A. Zvezda 8006 Persian Immortal
B. Garrison 25mm E03, Egyptian Trumpeter
C. Caesar HO14 Hebrew Warrior
D. Garrison 25mm A07, Assyrian Infantryman
E. HaT 8057 Persian Light Infantry

Bottom Picture
A. Zvezda 8006 Persian Immortal
B. Rose Prestige ES1 Syrian Bowman
C. Caesar HO14
D. Rose Prestige GP1 Persian Immortal
E. HaT 8057 Persian Light Infantry

Height of the metal figures:

Garrison 25mm figures:
Measured from sole of foot to eyes): 24mm
Measured from sole of foot to top of head): 27mm
Rose Prestige figures:
Measured from sole of foot to eyes): 25mm
Measured from sole of foot to top of head): 27mm

Orion vs Ral Partha, Renaissance Turkish foot

The photo above compares three metal Turks from Ral Partha (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Janissaries from Orion (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “The Condottieri” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, the Turks in this range included 10 codes, some of which contained more than one pose. In addition, the range included Swiss and Imperialist troops.

The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 54-608 “Turkish Archer”
C: 54-611 “Iyaler with Sword”
E: 54-610 “Turk with Scimitar and Buckler”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

With the exception of Colonial subjects, most Ral Partha historical figures continue to be produced by Iron Wind, a successor firm. However, Iron Wind does not seem to be offering the Condottieri range at present.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Orion figures are from box 72010 “Turkish Janissary, 17th Century.” The box contains 48 figures in 24 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Orion box is currently available. Although it is not widely carried, it can be found at various online and local hobby shops and distributors. According to PSR, it was first released in 2004.

Rafm vs Orion, Ancient European foot

The photo above compares three Ancient German figures from Rafm (black washed metal) with three Viking figures from Orion (in red plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Armies of the Caesars” range, and are catalogued as RAF7252 “Early German Infantry in Trousers.”

The “Armies of the Caesar” range currently includes 30 types. For the Romans, there are 14 infantry, 3 cavalry and 2 command sets available. For their enemies, the choices include 7 infantry, 3 cavalry and 1 command set. Most of the codes consist of a single pose.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: US$7.95 for six figures (all in the same pose).

Notes on the Samples:

The figures require some assembly (separate heads, shields and spears).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Orion figures are from box 72004 “Sea Warriors: Vikings, VIII-XI Century.” The box contains 46 figures in 23 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender).

Availability and Cost:

The Orion box is currently available, although it is not widely carried. However, it can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For example, Michigan Toy Soldiers has the set listed for $12.99 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic and a donation from Liam Sullivan.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.