Abbott Miniatures

25mm Napoleonic Naval Figures

by Robert Hamper

The Miniature Service Center sent a second package for review consisting of Abbott British naval figures. Abbott specializes in 18th century naval castings and smugglers and pirates. Unfortunately, I have a limited knowledge of naval crews of this period, so I will comment only on the mold features of the sample. The figures are 25M on the Barrett scale and are consistent in size and proportion throughout the sample. The castings are exceptionally free of flash and mold lines are only very slight. I did notice a bit of mold “slip” on one figure that distorted the face slightly, but this was the only one. There is just enough metal in the base to allow the figure to stand up.

There are some casing faults that may be considered minor to most collectors. Aside from the “slip” mentioned above, two figures had gas holes in the waist area where the short jackets of the figures were undercut to show overhang - a difficult position in the mold. These would be easily fixed up with a bit of putty. The worst fault was on the “slip” figure. The inside of his left arm had a large accumulation of metal that was too large and too solid to remove with a hobby knife or file.

The sculpting of the figures is great. The faces are distinctive and show good character, reflecting the hard men of the Royal Navy. The hands are generally in good proportion to the rest of the body. The clothing is easily painted with just enough folds and wrinkles to allow good shading without looking ridiculous.

In the end, the figures are pleasing sculptures of an interesting and limited genre. The casting quality control needs tightening (one figure should really have been rejected in my opinion) but the castings are acceptable overall. The figures would be great for any naval action games or dioramas. They would be especially useful for War of 1812 scenarios where landing parties were fairly common. Abbott makes British and French Navy and Marines as well as British West Indies troops, smugglers and pirates. The figures sell for US$1.70.

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