This figure is the Byzantine Heavy Cavalyman that first appeared in the Miniature Figurines 72/73 catalogue as PBC 146. Or at least I believe it is - it's quite a small figure compared to others in the range, and I've never seen the 'S' range Byzantine Heavy Cavalryman with Kontos (ABC 2s) which is the only other possibility. However, it's a dead ringer for the illustration in the AEIR book, so I'm pretty sure we have it correct.
Both PB ranges were based on Phil Barker's books Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars and The Armies and Enemies of Imperial Rome. This figure appears to be taken from illustration 46 in the first edition of AEIR.
The code numbers for the AEIR range correspond to the illustrations in the book plus '100', i.e. illustration 1 is figure 101.
The rider represents a horsemen of the sixth century and is armed with the lance-like kontos and a bow. At least the front ranks of cavalrymen would have ridden armoured horses.
I have mounted this chap onto a PBH 221 and therefore we have the classic 'double saddlecloth' that is a common feature of this range. The code is stamped onto the upper part of the base in the usual style.
Up until recently Minifigs would always win hands down over Hinchliffe in my mind, but since taking in the HC Fantasy range, I've really begun to appreciate Peter Gilder's sculpting ... so completely different to Dick Higgs and far more animated, they must have been considered quite cutting edge at the time of release.
ReplyDeleteYes I know what you mean - neither are modern at all but each has its own character, strengths and weaknesses - I have a good amount of Hinchliffe ancients in metal waiting for a coat of paint - I've just put an ox cart together - Hinchliffe were always first choice for artillery, carts and wagons.
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