Individual Personalities

During the last Quarter of 2001, NAVIGATOR Miniatures of North Yorkshire, England released their very first "Medieval" range, the Frankish Crusaders. Aside from almost a dozen Personalities, there are around 30 Frankish Crusaders & Maronite Syrian Infantry, and several dozen 11th Century Norman Knights, and Crusader Knights and Turcopoles. Soon to be released (most likely in this First Quarter of 2002) are their Moslem opponents.

While slightly reminiscent of the older Irregular Miniatures Crusader types, the NAVIGATOR's are a bit larger and better detailed, and will especially fit in quite nicely with Old Glory Crusaders of the same type. While not yet quite up to Foundry standards for design and animation, they do come close and are worth the price. A nice feature of many of the Crusaders are their "cloaks", no doubt worn as protection not only against the daily sun, but also against the nighttime chill in the Middle East. It should be noted that Mounted Figures are not yet supplied with lances or spears, so you'll have to come up with your own.

This first Review will deal with the "Personalities."

FC01 Richard the Lionheart, mounted, is clad in full-body protected chainmail covering a long Middle Eastern-style skirt, with his great helm bearing a crown. Long sword in scabbard at his side, this figure has his left arm couched to hold a lance. He is mounted astride a cloth-barded horse. This figure will fit in nicely with your Old Glory's, and early Foundry figures. Retail price is $3.75

FC02 King Richard, afoot, obviously dismounted, knee-length chainmail hauberk & longer under-skirt split for riding. Fairly good face & longish hair, Richard now holds his great helm under his left arm, with his right arm poised to draw his long sword. Retail price is $1.75

FC03 Bishop w/True Cross, afoot, is a nicely detailed figure. Don't quite understand why most figure designers like to make their clergy portly, but this figure is no exception (I always thought they drank wine and not copious amounts of ale). He is wearing a bishop's mitred hat of course, and at least 3, well done layers of priestly vestments. Not too surprisingly, he also wears chainmail under all, and has his right hand resting on the hilt of his sheathed long sword. In his right hand he holds aloft a heavily-studded and highly-stylized version of the True Cross, as if to bless the troops. Retail price is $1.75

FC04 Peter the Hermit, mounted, captures the implied essence of this man. Mounted on a sturdy-looking little burro, this Peter has long. Scraggly hair flowing outwards from his bald pate. He is bearded and one can almost see that wild-eyed fanatical look in his eyes. Clad in peasant garb, Peter has a flask on one hip and what appears to be a wrapped Bible on the other hip. Right hand on his breast, his left hand holds aloft a crudely roped-together, makeshift cross. While not exactly the bearer of a sacred relic or religious standard, this Peter could certainly be used as a rallying point or influence, as such. Retail price is $3.75

[Ed. This figure now is a prominent part of my 'Priest' stand for Medieval Warfare armies!]

FC05 Cloaked & hooded figure, afoot. Aside from his long sword, which he appears to be drawing, this cloaked and hooded figure could have many uses. He could most likely be used as a member of one of the Military Religious Orders such as a Knight's Templar or Sword Brethren, but with some imagination could also be Richard himself, disguised, or perhaps Saladin! Navigator's designer does really well-done cloaks & flowing robes. Retail price is $1.75

FC06 Military Order Commander, afoot. The venerable Reverend Sir Ludicrous, with his long beard and hooded cloak, holds his sheathed sword with both hands to his breast. An ominous-looking character, this figure would be equally at home standing either atop the battle-standard wagon, or looking out from the crenalations of the Krak! Retail price is $1.75

FC07 Grand Master of a Religious Order, afoot. Standing as if he is issuing a command, this bearded figure wears a skull-cap, and long robes. He stands, expectantly, with right hand grasping his cloak. Another good, almost multi-purpose figure to stand upon the rampart, or in the Medieval city street. Retail price is $1.75

FC08 True Cross. This is pretty much it. A highly stylized version, akin to the one held aloft by our bishop. Good for dioramas or scenic effect. Retail price is $1.00

FC09 Veteran Officer, afoot is definitely a grizzled old veteran! With tattered and torn surcoat and mail, he stands braced against the desert winds! Bearded and bareheaded, with cloak flowing behind him, this sturdy warrior steels himself for whatever is next to come. Retail price is $1.75

FC10 Trumpeter, afoot. Not your average boring bugle-boy, this scale mail clad, conical helmed trumpeter, stands legs apart, ready for action. He has a long surcoat and cloak, and although his lengthy trumpet is at his lips, his right hand is open to hold a weapon. Retail price is $1.75

FC11 Standard Bearer, afoot. Also not your typical standard bearer type! Long-surcoated and mailed, this foot-knight wears a conical and stag horned helmet, has a mail aventail and holds a cast flag aloft, almost as if he's waving it about. Excellent detail and animation is the hallmark of many of the NAVIGATOR figures. Retail price is $1.75

And as part of a blatantly commercial message, these fine figures along with others in this exciting New range, are available through: Historical Collectibles Associates, P.O. Box 574, Kennesaw, GA 30144. For a FREE email catalog listing, contact us at dacelan@gateway.net. Minimum Order $20.00. Add 10% for P&P. Checks payable to David A. Clayton.