Iron Duke Miniatures and Empress Miniatures are pleased to announce that the 28mm Indian Mutiny range, designed and manufactured by IDM and retailed by Empress over the past five years, has changed ownership between the two companies. Collectors of the range can be assured that from the customer's point of view, this will be a largely superficial transition. There will be no change in the way in which the Indian Mutiny range is retailed to the public, while Empress intends to continue expanding the range over the years ahead. IDM, meanwhile, will turn its time, attention and resources to brand-new ranges, including its recently announced Orange River (Southern Africa in the 1840s and 1850s) and GAPS (Gwalior, Afghanistan, Punjaub and Scinde in the 1840s) ranges. IDM and Empress have also concluded a new three-year distribution deal, which will see new IDM products retailed through the Empress Miniatures online store and trade stand, just as before.
On behalf of IDM, proprietor Mike Snook writes:
Our sculptors and sub-contractors have of course played a vital part in the success of the high-quality range we've been able to deliver over the past five years. In ownership terms, however, Iron Duke is only one-man deep. Out of respect for the customer's interest, I been anxious to secure the ongoing availability of what we have created – easily the best 1857 range there is – over the longer term. Placing the range in the safe hands of well-trusted friends at Empress achieves precisely that. It amounts to a win-win arrangement for both companies and for the customer alike, not least because IDM will be freed up to switch its effort to other fascinating conflicts and equally colorful troops types. Customers can expect to see more great figures from us, and of course, we'll be paying proper regard to getting the historical detail right.
On behalf of Empress, Paul Eaglestone writes:
Empress Miniatures has known Mike as a customer, colleague and friend for over a decade, and is a great fan of his writing and research. His attention to detail, so prevalent in his writing, well and truly shines through in his Indian Mutiny range, and Empress Miniatures are great fans of what is the best range on the market. Empress Miniatures has been proud to not only act as Iron Duke's shop, but also in its position as technical adviser in the early days.
Mike's decision to move onto develop some other ranges after five years is totally logical, and very exciting for all fans. Empress Miniatures are very excited to take ownership of the Indian Mutiny range, and plan to develop it in many ways. Future plans are to add more to the native contingents, such as Indian commanders and Ghurkhas. Also, European civilians, naval troops, character packs (who said Flashman?), plus lots, lots more. So if you are an existing customer, then we hope you can see the opportunities that this slight change will offer. If you have not yet succumbed to the color and unique character of wargaming and collecting this period, then please look further, as it really is worthy of your attention.
