"Are These Calpe Figures?" Topic

Hi,

In the last couple of months I have made 2 purchases of Calpe Landwehr figures from individuals, and in both lots were a few figures which looked a little different, and I have wondered if they were indeed Calpe (ie an early version). This is not to cast any doubt on the sellers, I am quite pleased with both purchases.

The figures have maker's marks on the bottom, their caps have a central rise rather then being flat, and they are shall we say a little less well cast.

Thanks for looking,

John

fuentesdeonoro.blogspot.com

Yes, those appear to be early editions/iterations of the Calpe landwehr. The earlier Calpe landwehr looked very similar to the same troops produced Elite and Connisseur figures. Peter subsequently resculpted the Calpe figures.

Peter's casting was always first class, though, so it's surprising that you've got some that are "not all that they might be".

Thanks, I actually thought they might be Elite, as I had a few French figures and they looked similar. They are nice figures, but certainly his casting has improved, as well as his sculpting. I have about 18-20 of them. I will be happy to incorporate them into my Prussian Landwehr battalions, just trying to decide whether to spread them out, or put them all in one battalion (24 figures)

John

John, Peter actually sculpted Prussians for Elite early in his career so that would explain your suspicions. What I can't tell without asking the master himself to look at these is whether these are late Elite or early Calpe. Either way, they certainly bear certain elements of style that make me confident that Peter sculpted these figures.

So are Elite figures compatible with Calpe and Perry?

I'm considering buying some Elite Saxon Cavalry and maybe Westphalian Infantry and Cavalry and want to make sure they'll look right on the table.

Thanks,
G

Thanks Martin, I was waiting for you to pop up.

The figures though in style are very similar to the Calpe Landwehr, I bought directly from Calpe, just slightly thinner, with the bump on the cap. I will have to have a look at the Elite site.

GDrover: I actually have some Elite french mixed in the same unit with Perry French. Bit odd looking, but I would have not hesitate though to have them in the same army. They are about the same height as Perry's and Calpe, but closer in heft to Perry.

John

John

Calpe always used (and still uses) the code "PL" for the Prussian landwehr. Elite uses the code "LP" for all of their 'Late Prussian' range. Pretty sure the OP's figs are Calpe, going by the code on the base.