Calpe Prussian

25mm 1813-1815

by Robert Hamper

I opened the review package unaware of the particularity of the contents. I spilled the figures into my hand and initially identified the unpainted metal as British Line and Rifle troops due to their stove-pipe shakos, shoulder rolls and riflemen’s garb. I found this a bit odd as they had the definite appearance of Peter Fitzgerald’s Calpe line and I knew that he was focused on the Prussian army 1813-1815. I then noted the Prussian style knapsacks on the soldiers. The obvious conclusion was that they were figures of the Prussian Reserve regiments and the package label confirmed this.

This little identification exercise goes a long way to pointing out Peter’s accuracy and consistency. Both traits are hallmarks of the Calpe line. Peter is a stickler for detail, doing a lot of research and consulting with historians. His catalogue includes explanations of the uniforms, some painting information and other useful bits. Calpe is a one-man operation, which, while limiting production somewhat, ensures the high quality and uniformity of the figures.

Calpe figures are 28M on the Barrett scale. As always, the review figures are well formed and proportionate. The castings are very clean with almost no flash and the mold seams are barely visible. Peter uses a 90/10 tin and lead alloy which he finds to be the best metal balance overall. Very little work would be needed to prepare these figures for painting. There was no evidence of any casting flaws and I own thirty-odd other figures from the line, all of which exhibit no such flaws.

Peter’s sculpting is always exceptionally proportional. The hands are the correct size and look natural in design and position. The legs of the figures are only big enough to convey loose trousers; not bloated forms as found in some lines. The uniform and accessories are present in nicely raised and crisp detail. Belts, buckles, straps, buttons and lace can be readily painted by even the least dexterous of us. Uniform folds are realistic looking, providing good opportunity for painting effects. The weapons look good and Peter sculpts some the nicer bayonets you can find in metal figures.

The figures under review depict two of the three types of British manufactured uniforms supplied to the Prussians in 1813 and provided to the Reserve regiments. The third style, where the uniform jacket has shoulder rolls but no button lace, is also available. The uniforms of the review miniatures are accurate and match up with every source I have. In the case of the riflemen’s uniform, with some imagination and a little work, they can represent the infantry of Hellwig’s Streifcorps.

The Calpe line currently focuses solely on the Prussians. The figures are sold as individuals only so that enthusiasts can construct their armies however they wish. Each type of uniform has many variants and Peter also provides ‘special packs’ to diversify one’s units even more. Work has commenced on French lines and the future holds the possibility of Poles and Austrians.

If you want Prussian figures in 28/30mm, I believe you will that these figures fit the bill. I can’t praise them enough. The Miniature Service Center of Yuba City, California provided the samples for this review. The figures are US$1.60 for each single soldier; mounted officers are $3.75 while special packs vary from $3.25 to $4.75. Artillery and some cavalry are also available. They accept all major credit cards, money orders and personal cheques. Check out their site at: www.miniatureservicecenter.com/msc-ordering.htm

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