A relatively-new company producing a fine line of large 25mm ACW miniatures (the figures measure around 27/28mm from sole of shoe to top of head, or 27/28M on the Barrett scale,-ed) is SASH AND SABER. Previously released were about 4 packs of marching Union (sack coat backpacks and kepi) and Confederate (shell jacket, mix of blanket rolls, packs, hats and kepis) infantry, as well as artillery (6 field guns) with crews (both Union and Confederate). The next addition to the line is Confederate infantry in skirmishing poses.

Thus far, 10 poses (i.e. 1 pack) are available for sale, with more on the way shortly. All of the miniatures are cast in pewter.

I must admit, when I first saw these figures unpainted, I was less than impressed. The heads are a bit small and the bodies are cartoonlike. But.... my opinion was dramatically changed for the better after I painted these soldiers. They take a nice paintjob beautifully. Highlighting with a thin black wash after painting shows off the fine detail from the sculpting. The pictures tell the story (photos are of pack CS5a Confederate Infantry Skirmishing). These figures look great in an irregular skirmish line. There are (or will be... enough different poses such that no two units will look alike on your gaming table. The July '01 catalog sheet listed 3 more skirmishing packs, with 1 being a command group, for the Confederates, and 4 similar packs of skirmishing Yanks.

Sash and Saber figures are American-made and reasonably priced. Per their July '01 price list, figures are sold in 'regular' packs of 10 infantry or artillerists, 4 cavalry, or 2 cannons for $12.50, while the 'regimental' packs have 40 figures or 16 cavalry for $40.00 per pack (which is $1.00 per foot and $2.50 for horse and rider,-ed!) Single figures are sold at a price of $2.00 per foot and $4.00 per horse and rider. Mounted command figures (i.e. horse and rider) are $4.00, and Generals John Gordon (CSA) and Abner Doubleday (USA) were available as of July.

You will find these figures sold at the three major HMGS-East conventions each year ' and the owner, Chris Hughes, is most accommodating in my dealings with him. I highly recommend his line of miniatures to anyone building 25mm ACW armies (or for playing skirmish games such as BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER,-ed!). Write to the addresses below to request a catalog and payment information, or visit their new website which went online as of October.

Sash & Saber Castings
119 DUBLIN RD., RALEIGH, NC 27609 USA
PHONE 919.870.5513
CHRIS HUGHES, PROPRIETOR
CHRISTOPHERHNC@EARTHLINK.NET
WWW.SASHANDSABER.COM

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