Mirliton 25mm figures imported from Italy are available from G.K.G. Gaming, 86 Regan Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877. The offerings from this manufacturer include a variety of "soldatini in piombo" (tin soldiers). The foot figures are priced at $1.00 each in quantities of 10, and 10% more for "open stock" figures. The horses range in price from $1.45 to $1.70. Other items such as artillery and wagons are priced separately. The catalog available for these figures shows line drawings of most which are offered for sale.
Two orders of figures from G.K.G. have been received. The service provided by Mrs. Catherine Katin-Grazzini in filling these mail -orders has been very good.
Five units of Mirliton figures have been added to my ancient period hordes. Each of these units is made up of one of the following figure types, Syracusan Hoplite V-VI cent B.C. (GR-1), Samnite including Light Infantrymen (SA-1), Cavalrymen (SA-2) with horse (N-43), Heavy Infantrymen (SA-5), and the Heavy Infantrymen with Thracian Helmet (SA6).
These figures are generally well proportioned. The detail on the figures is fairly well done. Straps, folds in material, detail in crests finger separations, toes and footgear are visible. All the ancient figures listed are open handed, and the weapons and shields must be attached. The faces of the figures have eyes, nose and mouth visible and are fairly well defined.
Comparing the characteristics of the Miriliton f1gures to those of other manufacturers may help to accurately describe them. When comparing to the large numbers of Essex, RAFM, and Minifig ancient figures in my collection, I would describe the proportions of Mirliton figures slimmer than most Essex figures. The detail present on the Mirliton figure is clearly defined than that commonly found on most Minifig figures, but not as detailed as that found on most Essex ancients. The Mirliton figures are also slightly taller than minifig or RAFM anciest figures.
The Syracusan Hoplite (GR-1) measures 34mm high overall, from the top the base to the top of the helmet crest. The top of base to the eye level dimension for this figure, was measured at 26mm. The base of the figure measured at 10mm wide, 13mm deep, and 1.5mm thick. He carries a shield 13.5mm in diameter.
The figure is positioned marching with the left foot supporting the body, and the right leg bent with the foot behind the body. The right leg being lifted with only part of the foot on the base.
The pose of this figure is fairly standard for a hoplite style figure. The right are of the figure is extended upward and to the front to hold till spear. The left arm is held up and extended forward, but bent inward at the elbow across the chest to hold the shield. The figure is armed with a with 54mm long spear with a detailed point and butt spike, a sheathed sword with shoulder sling, and an appropriate sized hoplon (shield) with inside surface detail. This figure has bell cuirass body amour and a segmented strap skirt over a visible, longer tunic, greaves on the lower legs, and the classic, closed-style hoplite helmet with a standing crest which trails down the back of the figure. The tail of the crest is separate from the back and has detail along the sides and top surfaces.
The Samnite Light Infantryman (SA-1) is 34mm tall overall, with a height to the eye level of 26mm. This figure is equipped with a sword and round aicker shield. The figure is dressed in a tunic with belt, greaves, and helmet, with an empty sword sheath (nice touch) suspended by a shoulder strap on the left hip. The helmet worn by the figure covers the head, and has cheek plates on both sides, but no nasal. The helmet has a tall vertical row of feathers/plumes approximately 5mm high on the top.
This figure is posed with the left arm positioned to hold the shield before the body, and the right arm extended rearward as if preparing to deliver a slashing blow with the sword. For variety, some of the figures for th1s unit have been converted to wielding javelins, with the sword hilt attached to the empty sheath.
The Heavy Infantryman with Thracian Helmet (SA-6) from Mirliton is also equipped with a sword and hoplite style shield. He is wearing a Thracian style helmet with cheek pieces, and body armor, greaves, and sandals. He is posed crouched, running forward, about to thrust with the sword in the right hand, and the shield held in the left. This figure is 31mm tall overall and 25mm to the eye-level.
The Heavy Infantryman (SA-5) is an interesting figure. He is armored alth triangular chest and back plates, worn over a tunic. He also wears greaves. The helmet is of the full head style with cheek pieces and a standing crest, but also has a pair of vertical feathers/plumes located on either side of the crest 7-8mm long. This figure is equipped with a spear ~nd round hoplite style shield and posed throwing the spear with the right hand. This figure is overall 34mm tall, and has 26mm between the top of the base and the eye-level. His round shield is 13.5mm in diameter.
The Cavalryman (SA-2) is armed with a detailed spear, sheathed sword, and shield. Both the helmet on the figure and the headdress of the horse have twin vertical plumes/feathers, which provide a striking appearance. The horse 1s well done with a blanket, ornate chest plate, headdress and reigns, and is slightly larger than a comparable Hinifig horse, but smaller than an Essex brand mount.
Mirliton also offers Romans and Etruscans in the ancient figures. Some Etruscans have been ordered from G.K.G. Gaming, but have not yet been rece1ved.
The Mirliton catalog also offers many other figures. These include Aztecs, Napoleonics of various nationalities (with a pontoon bridge construction crew), accessories including limbers, artillery pieces, figures pushing and carry1ng, the pontoon bridge, animals, civilians, fortifications, etc., mounted bands, 1850-1871 Italian figures and artillery (including Garabaldi figures), Austro-Hungarians, Kingdom of Naples, Papal State army figures, 1530 Florentine, Football figures (71 types), and Renaissance and Medieval f1gures.
While I would be very interested 1n viewing the entire 1ine of the figures, I have seen only the Samnite ancients reviewed here. Perhaps G.K. Gaming can be present at Little Wars next time. I am pleased with figures which I have purchased from this company, and the service provided G.K.G. Gaming. After all, I could probably use just a few more of the figures. So many figures in so many periods, and so little time.
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© Copyright 1991 Hal Thinglum
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