- Artillery: 6 guns and 24 crew
- Infantry: 501 foot
- Cavalry: 77 horse
After playing a few games with Jake's Italian Wars collection more than six years ago, I became interested in fielding my own army for contests against Jake. About the same time, I received an email from fellow blogger Phil at Toy Soldiers Studio asking if I would be interested in a few of his figures. My Great Italian Wars collection got its initial boost with a purchase of figures from Phil's talented hand. I remember the great thrill of unboxing the long box of figures that arrived shortly thereafter.
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| Jon and Phil Refighting Zama |
Well a couple of weeks' ago, Phil said he would be in town on a cross-state trip and asked if I had time for a brief visit. Of course, I did! Not only did I have a chance to show Phil around the game room but we managed to sneak in a game of Commands & Colors Ancients with my 6mm collection before he departed for another commitment.
Anyway, on to the parade review!
That is a mighty array Jonathan! I like a good parade. You just have to love all those flags too. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Mark!
DeleteNice work Jon. Re : flags. Obviously printed but do you do any extra e.g. shading, repainting?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anthony! While most flags are straight Pete's Flags, a few have been embellished a bit.
DeleteGreat eye Candy! The Italian Wars are so colorful, in fashion and background. Thanks for the parade.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Joe! Glad you enjoyed the parade!
DeleteBeautiful !
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThat is a truly awe inspiring collection Jon. And of course, the exotic and colourful flags simply add to the grandeur of your parade!
ReplyDeleteGlad you approve of the spectacle, Keith!
DeleteA beautiful collection!!!
ReplyDeleteI think so!
DeleteDamn, those look good. Every time I come here, I end up with serious magpie syndrome. Must keep focus! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou are a good man, Markus! Despite the temptation, you return to test your resolve!
DeleteOhhhh, that amazing! Beautiful minis!
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Michal!
DeleteImpressive, flags are a big attraction, lovely to view.
ReplyDeleteThe and flags costumes are a big draw, no doubt. glad you enjoyed the parade.
DeleteGorgeous collection! Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThey look simply stunning. The colours, the flags, everything...I hope you managed to give them a little battle before they went back into storage.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anthony! No battle yet but the troops are still in position out on the table.
DeleteA wonderful army parade with all those colourful flags!
ReplyDeleteA mass of colorful flags and costumes is a beautiful sight, no?
DeleteSure is.
DeleteA fantastic looking collection. Love the flags
ReplyDeleteThanks, Neil! The flags are a big plus.
DeleteWho doesn't love a parade especially when the troops are this well turned out.
ReplyDeleteNot me, for sure! Thank you, Phil!
DeleteA magnificent array Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the parade, Oli!
DeleteMagnificent! It is a great period for miniature gaming. Not only are the armies colourful and extremely varied but there are everything from raids and skirmishes through pitched battles, sieges and no superpower who always won.
ReplyDeleteI wish it was easier to find first hand sources though, I only have a few and my copy of Montluc's book is really a sort of digest leaving out as much as it shares. Still fascinating.
Great collection already.
Ross
This is a fascinating period in both history and in which to game. Glad you approve, ross!
DeleteLovely job. Best uniforms meets best flags - great spectacle.
ReplyDelete"Best uniforms meet best flags" I agree! Thanks you, Norm!
DeleteIt has already been written, but I must admit that these magnificent flags add a lot to already superb figures ...Gorgeous parade!!
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup! The flags do add greatly to the visual punch of the display.
DeleteAmazing collection!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like my little friends, Mark!
DeleteI can only imagine a similarly sized force to oppose this lot and how grand that would look on a suitably large tabletop!
ReplyDeleteWow Jon, just wow.
Dai, there are enough figures here to field two armies but for really large battles, this collection can face off against my buddy’s. It would be fun to see TWO armies this size on the table, wouldn’t it?
DeleteNothing short of inspiring: who doesn't love a parade?
ReplyDeleteGood on ya' for getting in some face to face gaming, too!
Thanks! F2F gaming in small doses ought to be fine.
DeleteSplendid Jonathan...
ReplyDeleteAll the best. Aly
Thank you!
DeleteAwesome looking force, but perhaps you need a few more? Only joking, they look great and a battle would be splendid!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you, Iain! Perhaps I need a few more? Perhaps!
DeleteSpectacular Jonathan and an envy to all! You really nailed the light balance on these btw!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
You are very kind, Christopher! For "light balance" are you referring to the troop mix?
DeleteI'm referring to the photography in which you really brought out the colors on your troops, but now that you mention it you do have good mix of troops in your lovely army.
DeleteChristopher
Christopher
For the photography, I made a change of snapping photos with my camera to using the phone camera. I am glad you liked the change. I am not convinced that I like the phone better.
DeleteThat's a cracking looking army Jonathan, with the Italian Wars one of the most attractive periods to wargame IMHO.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Steve! This is a handsome period to game or even collect, no doubt.
DeleteMagnificent Jonathan, they all look terrific. A terrific period no doubt and one that I have only recently come to appreciate.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lawrence! Will you be starting a project?
DeleteI will indeed Jonathan. I purchased some Mirliton Miniatures 15mm figures last year along with enough of Pete's flags, so they are patiently sitting in the queue. Of course seeing your collection makes me want to shuffle them to the front now, but I want to exhaust my current run of French Napoleonics first.
DeleteExcellent! I look forward to seeing what you produce. First things first, though...
DeleteAn amazing collection Jonathan- very formidable looking- I love all those pikes!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I jabbed myself more than once with pikes while setting the troops out.
DeleteReally impressive Italian Wars collection Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike! Glad you like them.
DeleteEveryone loves a parade! Marvelous collection you have there. I’m curious if this counts as a large collection for you? 😀
ReplyDeleteEveryone loves a parade! For my 25mm collections, this one is about the same size as most so I guess this would be considered large. Seems an upper bound on my 25mm projects is about 800 figures.
DeleteI am so glad you and Phil had a chance to meet and play a game!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, i love the Armies of the Italian Wars. The cacophony of colors and the bold flags really make it a special era!
Yes, it was a pleasure to finally met Phil and especially fun to get in an impromptu game. A number of bloggers has inspired my building of this project and your work in this field is one of those inspirations. So, thank you! Perhaps one day we will meet in person?
DeleteVery impressive show and the big done work 8о
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed the parade!
DeleteA work of art Jon , a truly lovely sight to see. 👍
ReplyDeleteThanks, so much, Matt!
DeleteI love your Renaissance armies - especially all those pike-units.
ReplyDeleteYour chairs are original? I loved to sit on such chairs in a castle in Germany.
Thank you, Andrè! Since the chairs are only about 40 years old, they are Queene Anne reproductions.
DeleteVery elegant! Thank you. I should have some at least when I will have a proper appartement. ;-)
DeleteWhat can I say that hasnt been said already Johnathan, the Italian Wars is my favourite period and seeing your lovely collection makes me want to get my armies out Its great that you are using Pete's Flags they really add to the figures, well done.
ReplyDeleteRobbie, your work, project, and collection have been inspirations to me. Maybe it is time to see your collection out in either a parade or game?
DeleteGreat to hear from you again. Seems like it has been a long time.
Yes, indeed you have a lovely 28mm Great Italian Wars collection Jon! hopefully soon with(our) next visit to your town/house I will have a chance to command your 28mm units during a Italian Wars game? Thanks for having us over and finally meeting you - "I shall return" :o)
ReplyDeletePhil! It was a great pleasure to finally meet after all of these years. Next time you plan a trip over to the West Side, let me know and we can prepare a game. I bet I can get Scott over to Spokane for a game.
DeleteBy the way, for those keeping score, Phil beat me at Zama...
A superbly colourful sight Jonathan. Lovely to look at.
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
Glad you like the parade, James!
Delete