Now, Mirliton make what I consider some of the finest cavalry for the Second Italian War of Independence in 18mm and their artillery is first rate too. Oh, and Bersaglieri? Outstanding! Actually, the entire product line for the period is first rate.
The main issue keeping me from ordering more of the figures is the expense of shipping to the USA. It is not uncommon for an order for USD$100 to cost nearly USD$50! That is correct, almost 50% of order value and the figures are not inexpensive to begin.
One benefit of ordering through Tony is that a discount is offered but a minimum order size is required. In the case of this order, a minimum of EUR 85 is required. The high cost of postage still must be born, but a minimum 25% discount is offered for the figures, themselves.
Mirliton also offers a number of other very interesting and well crafted ranges including Ancients, Renaissance, Napoleonics, and Franco-Austrian War in 28mm. On one past order, I included a number of wounded Roman to be used as markers.
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| Mirliton wounded Romans |
I must put pencil to paper and come up with an order. Focus will likely be on cavalry since I can get suitable infantry from other vendors but I must have more cavalry. Unfortunately (well, maybe fortunately for my wallet), Mirliton doe not offer French for this conflict in 18mm. A very handsome range in 28mm is available, though.
If any U.S. reader fancies seeing some of these figures in hand, drop me an email and we can work out the details of piggybacking onto my order.
I once ordered some Medievals from them - direct from Italy. Didn't take too long to get to me. They do make some nice stuff.
ReplyDeleteHi Dean, I have placed a couple orders directly too and I found response time good as well. Yes, they do make some handsome models.
DeleteOrdering across the pond, either way, is frighteningly expensive. I've put several orders in the cart and then cancelled the whole thing when shipping was as much as the models. It's bad for business for everyone but the shipping companies.
ReplyDeleteReducing cost of shipping to consumer is one of the reasons for maintaining a US distributor. Unfortunately for Mirliton, you still end up bearing the brunt of paying the cost of international shipping.
DeleteRegarding your Roman "casualty markers" . . . might Roman numerals on the shields allow you to use some as multiple casualty markers? Or for that matter, the color of the shield could (like poker chips) indicate the number of casualties.
ReplyDeleteJust a couple of ideas that I hope help.
-- Jeff
Clever ideas, Jeff!
DeleteBoth good ideas Jeff!
DeleteI have just a few Mirliton figures - a 25mm Carrocio, which is a great piece. Shipping across the Atlantic has become absurdly expensive! I just bit the bullet and put in an order for some Lancashire figures, taking advantage of the sale. With the discount, the prices were very reasonable... but then there was the 40% extra for shipping! Ouch!
ReplyDeleteAbsurdly expensive is right! I agree about Lancashire models. With a discount, the cost including shipping was approaching reasonable. But, if you want the figures, you pay the price, right?
DeleteSay, did you order 25mm Prussian grenadiers in tall plumes?
Yes, Jon, that was exactly the main motivation - enough for 2 new Grenadier units, and some extra figures to bring a 1/2 unit of "old" Minifigs up to full (18 figure) strength, and my "new" Minifigs Prussian Guard unit up to full strength (from 16 to 18). The rest were enough Landwehr for 4 more units and a few officers - Ligny won the toss for Historicon this July; looks like we'll save Waterloo for this Fall in CT.
DeleteDoes the influx of Prussian lead and Ligny mean we will be treated with Prussians marching across your painting desk this winter rather than Brits?
DeleteWell, if I get my act together I'll finish my British command figures and after that it's "The Prussians are coming, the Prussians are coming" for the most part until July!
DeletePeter, if you need to muster Prussians from more than one recruitment depot, let me know. Having never paintied a 28mm Prussian, it might be fun to throw a 28mm Prussian battalion into the painting mix.
DeleteAdding a single, lone battalion of 28 mm Prussians just because you haven't done one yet in that scale...Truly a Magnificent Madness, Jon! :-)
DeleteWell, I have had my eye on Calpe Miniatures for a long time. Fielding recruits for your game might just be the excuse I need to give them a first hand inspection.
DeleteI don't know the mirliton line jonathan but the Romans look ace.
ReplyDeleteMirliton figures are very nice, Paul. No 18mm Napoleonics, though. The 18mm 2nd Italian War of Independence cavalry remind me of AB very much. You would like them.
DeleteI'll keep a look out for yours on your blog Jonathan!
ReplyDelete