"Glory of the Sun King now available." Topic

It looks as though the first codes have been posted for this Copplestone range.

GS01 6 x Musketeers Firing £6.50 GBP
GS02 6 x Musketeers at Ready £6.50 GBP
GS03 6 x Unarmed Pikemen £6.50 GBP
GS04 6 x English Armored Pikemen £6.50 GBP
GS05 2 x Drummers £3.00 GBP
GS06 6 x French Musketeers Firing £6.50 GBP
GS07 6 x French Musketeers at Ready £6.50 GBP
GS08 6 x French Armoured Pikemen £6.50 GBP
GS09 2 x French Drummers £3.00 GBP
GS10 Officers 1 £4.50 GBP
GS11 Officers 2 £4.50 GBP
GS12 Officers 3 £4.50 GBP

These are beautiful looking castings:

link

…and just in time for the Pike and Shot theme for Historicon 2010.

Here's hoping we see a Monthly Special Offer including these castings shortly.

Donald~

As said before,
these look great

Anyone know if they're compatible with Foundry and Dixon in size?

Here are some comparison shots with Dixon and Reiver Castings

link

Wasn't the Dixon LoA range Mark Copplestone's first historical range? Or am I dreaming that?

Donald:

Thanks for the notice.

So it appears we have (so far?) two basic types of musketeers and drummers. The "French" with very short coat sleeves (with cuff decoration above elbow) and the "Generic" with the larger cuff at the wrist.

The 9 different (basically generic) officers (which will make for a colourful variety), and "English", "French" and generic pikemen. I wonder if there is hope for (dedicated) NCO & standard bearer figures?

I believe the French short cuff really places those figures towards the early part of Louis' reign, was hoping for something a little more 1680s, but wonderful figures in any event for sure.

Michael

I have little knowledge of uniforms of this period so would like to ask whether the 'English' figures (with longer sleeves) may serve as 'later French' or would the differences be too much?

thanks.

Michael;

I profess to being a little surprised by your comment, "was hoping for something a little more 1680s". Mark's original press release for this range specifically stated that this range was for the earlier Dutch Wars. Here is Mark's announcement, before the Salute preview:

"Maybe it`s my early childhood memories of the creaky, but charming, Tales of Rubovia puppet series ( telegoons.org/rubovia/index2.htm ) but the Early Periwig period has always appealed to me. And so a small, but comely, 1665-1680 range – named the Glory of the Sun in honour of Louis XIV, The Sun King, the chief hero/villain of the age. It`s a colourful transitional period – with larger armies in very varied uniforms led by the Great Conde, Turenne and Montecuccoli amongst others. There`s a campaign in Tangiers, an English brigade fighting alongside the French, the rise of Prussia and oddities like the perfidious career of the warlike Prince-Bishop of Munster ( whose army included Frankenstein`s regiment ) . More info and some pics as soon as possible."

Please note that Mark specifically cuts-off this range at 1680. For later figures you will have to see his two previous ranges for Dixon, or Parkfield, or Reiver, or Foundry.

I agree that some NCO's and Ensigns are desired, and I would have liked to see more figures with sashes ( only 1 out of 3 in each Officer pack ) , as the sash was the de facto "field sign" of the period, even worn by rankers in many cases.

Bill

Bill:

>>>Here is Mark's announcement, before the Salute preview:<<<

My apology, I hadn't read that piece in detail before. I was so excited by the fact that someone (as gifted as Mark) had finally undertaken the era at long last. My comment was a spontaneous personal musing, definitely not a criticism.

Also, being a typical wargamer my mind was already racing with my own personal approach to the period which has always been (a very _broad_) "ca. 1685" in my own imagination.

To address the query by Shootmenow above, I'd suggest that the "generic (English)" musketeers could be used as several countries' armies, including the French through the 1680s.

Actual supply of new uniform styles and equipment was probably quite slow at this time compared with later eras such as the Napoleonic which was, itself, often several years behind regulations. I believe the French were one of the slowest in abandoning the matchlock and the pike?

At any rate there once was a wargaming term which I've not seen used for some time… "wargamer's license", which applies to such eccentricities of individuals.

Michael

No problem Michael, I assumed that you hadn't seen the full announcement. I agree with you that most of the range described as "non-French" can actually be used pretty much generically, including for later French. There's still that nagging problem of the lack of sashes, but at least they can be easily formed with green stuff. Plus, as you correctly point out, the older uniforms can be used much later given supply problems and the fact that Colonel's usually had to ante up some money.

Bill

Hopefully Mr Copplestone will cast up a range of Spanish. Only really needs to run to a code or so of foot. Similar coat style to the French but with something akin to lapels and worn open. Very colourful army, and you really cannot do without them for this period.

Is this range done now? Or should we expect to see more?

Cavalry is due out June 2009.

Rich

thanks Rich. I'll keep my eyes open ;-).

Does anyone have news on this range? Having bought a couple of sample units, I'm certainly willing to spend, but I'll need to see some cavalry, dragoons, and most importantly, gunners and sappers before I commit my reserves…

Just got some of the infantry figures and they are lovely figures, just wish there was some cavalry to go with them!

It seems to me that either Mark has abandoned this line or there is something wrong with him. Unfortunately I don't know what it is.

I hate it when mfrrs abandon lines of figures not completed. Fortunately I haven't bought any yet.

Latest info from Mr C. on this is to expect the cavalry, including dragoons, any time now.

The cavalry including dragoons are here

link

These are the right figures for the early French wars of Louis XIV. Especially the foot. They wear the simpler plain long coat and short 3/4 sleeves.
Only a pity that the foot are less compatible with the existing Dixon and Foundry ranges.
Nevertheless a splendid range which hopefully will be completed.