Auxiliary Light Cavalryman Early 1st Century

 

This figure is the (Roman) Auxiliary Light Cavalryman of the Early 1st Century that first appeared in the Miniature Figurines 72/73 catalogue as PBC 109

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 is taken from illustration 9 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. 

Cavalry models carried the code number on a tag - long since removed - which can make identification a little harder in some cases. 

I have mounted this chap onto a PBH 65-217 which means we have the 'double saddlecloth' that is a common feature of this range. Both the rider and horse have a saddlecloth! The PBH horses were soon replaced by the new 'H' and 'A' series horses without saddlecloths which solved the problem. 

This is quite an energetic figure for a Minifigs cavalryman, waving his spear about like a good 'un. The examples I have all have very thin spears, but I imagine the same model appeared with a thicker version initially. 

The source for this model is a monument and the interpretation of the rider's 'tunic' as leather is probably misguided. My sense is that what is represented is mail, making this an armoured auxiliary cavalryman; however, it's a pleasing model that will serve equally well in either role.