Essex Miniatures recently released a new line of 15mm figures covering the Feudal and Medieval periods. They define the periods as from roughly 1100 AD until roughly 1450 AD, although many of the figures offered could be quite justifiably fielded outside these time constraints.

The size of these figures is that typical of Essex 15s. In the medieval period, this makes them very compatible with the old medieval line offered by Alliance Miniatures/TTG. They also fit relatively well with Minifigs' offerings in the period, but are considerably more detailed and of a totally different style. They are much smaller, however, and will not mix well with the medieval lines offered by Thistle & Rose or Museum Miniatures (especially the cavalry).

Received for review were four foot figures. All were completely flash-free, as you expect from Essex, and required very little preparation to paint (basically filing off a few burrs). MID26, L/M Archer, bare head, is a generic figure that could be used well outside this period. He is in the typical Essex shooting pose, drawing back his bow. The bow could easily be either a "short" bow, with a little trimming off the ends, or a Welsh/English longbow, which makes the pose quite versatile. There is considerable detail in the folds of his cloak and the lower part of his tunic, and the facial detail is also nice. He sports somewhat long hair typical of the period, and a moustache but no beard. He painted up very nicely and quite quickly.

Also received was MID60, medium crossbowman with kettle helm. This is a very nice figure, cast with a separate crossbow (attached at the base and at the left hand). He wears an akheton that is nicely detailed, and carries a sword and a quiver of bolts at his hips. The detached crossbow fits together nicely, and makes painting in the detail on the akheton much easier. This figure is clean shaven, but the face is somewhat vague compared to the crisp detail on the other three.

MID47, heavy spearman, scale corselet, pointed helm, large shield, is perhaps the nicest figure of the bunch. I particularly like the pose, advancing with the spear pointed down, as it is not as static as typical infantry poses and shows off the detail of the scale armor nicely. This figure is also clean shaven, but has a nicely detailed face under his pointed helm.

Finally, MID40, L/M spearman, kettle helm, large shield, is a nice generic town militia-type figure that saw use throughout this era. He wears a quilted sleeveless corselet, and carries a sturdy looking shield. He is clean shaven with excellent facial detail. One concern I have with the spearmen figures in general is the spear length. The listing advises cutting down the spears if you want to depict JLS-armed troops. On both spearmen received, the spear looks to me to already be what I think of as a JLS classification. To a large extent, this is a matter of personal taste, and as long as the figures within a classification in a player's army are compatible, it will probably cause no concerns. 

Compatibility of this range with other existing ranges need be of little concern if you are starting an army in this period, as the variety offered is substantial and the coverage extensive. Mounted and dismounted knights are listed in eras, divided into 1100-1200 AD, 1200-1350 AD, and 1300-1400 AD. Many figures in the latter period will do quite well right up until the end of WRG 7th in 1485 AD. As the appearance of foot troops changed less rapidly than that of knights during this era, the foot packs are differentiated by helmets and armor type, as well as weapon, rather than time period.

With the release of both parts I and II of the line, it includes an even 100 packs. Forty-two of the packs consist of "assorted" figures, containing at least two poses. Three separate mounted command packs are listed, covering the periods 1150-1300 AD, 1300-1360 AD, and 1360-1450 AD. A foot command pack, containing standard bearers, drummers and a dismounted knight is also offered. This calculates out to roughly 150 different figures offered, an amazing variety of figures and plenty to allow the gamer to field most any army of this period completely consisting entirely of the Essex figures.

Mounted offerings include a wide selection of mounted knights for each era, an assortment of sergeants, mounted crossbowmen and archers, and hobilars. Horseholders are listed with both banded and unarmored horses. Foot Varieties include archers, crossbowmen, spearmen, and axemen, all with variations from light to heavy armor. Also offered are slingers, javelinmen, pavisiers, artillerymen, billmen, pikemen, and dismounted knights differentiated by era.

Overall, I was very impressed with this range. The variety of poses offered, even within each historical subdivision, is fantastic. The inclusion of an extensive selection of command figures allows the gamer to customize his units and include those command elements that are so visually appealing on the battlefield. The overall level of detail on the figures is very good, and the samples received painted up very nicely and had a simple elegance about them that made them seem very easy to paint. I would recommend this line to anyone starting an army in this era, or filling in the pieces of an old Alliance/TTG army.