Esci / Italeri vs Jacklex, British Colonial foot

The photo above compares several Jacklex metal colonial figures with a few plastic Esci models (reissued by Italeri). From left to right the figures are: Jacklex Highlander, Esci infantry, Jacklex artillery, Esci infantry, partly painted Jacklex Highlander, unpainted Esci infantry. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Esci figures are used in two boxes: 212, “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and 232, “Indian War Kiber Pass British Infantry.” The first box was reissued by Italeri as 6050 "Zulu War British Infantry."

The Jacklex figures come from their Colonial Range. The Highlanders are designated B16, “Highland Infantry Marching,” while the gunner is from set C8, “Colonial British army gun crew.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Esci / Italeri – 21mm
Jacklex Highlanders – 23mm
Jacklex artillery – 21mm

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Esci / Italeri – B (Slender)
Jacklex Highlander – C (Average)
Jacklex Artillery – B (Slender)

Overall conclusions:

This is another case where figures from the same range are actually less well matched than figures from different ranges. Here, the Jacklex gunner is a close match for the Esci / Italeri troops. The height and body style are identical, although the animation and detail on the plastic figures are a bit better. The Highlanders end up looking like the giants in the line-up, even with only a couple of millimeters difference in height.