Crusader Knights

Italeri 1:72 Scale Figure Review

Italeri’s Crusader Knights are incorrectly attributed to the First Crusade in the 11th Century. In fact, these miniatures are wearing heraldic surcoats which were first introduced in the 12th Century, and some of the knights are equipped with visored helmets which appeared in the early 13th Century. The heraldic devices of Richard I Lionheart and Philippe de Flandre can be recognized, placing this set in the time of the Third Crusade, 1189–1192. These figures may be converted to serve as other knights of the period, although the superimposed crosses and heraldic devices can be difficult to remove from shields, surcoats, and horse trappings.

25 Infantry in 8 Poses – 24 mm equal 173 cm length
- Richard I. Lionheart with Mace and Shield (2)
- Charles d’Anjou with Sword and Shield (2), King of Jerusalem, 1277
- Knight of St. John with Banner (3)
- Knight with Sword and Shield (5)
- Knight with Axe and Shield (5)
- Man at Arms with Spear (2)
- Man at Arms with Sword and Shield (4)
- Crossbowman kneeling, firing (2)
9 Riders in 5 Poses – 25 mm equal 180 cm height
- Richard I Lionheart with Lance (2), 1157–1199
- Jean de Brienne with mace (2), 1170–1237
- Knight with Sword and visored Helmet (2)
- Knight with Sword (2)
- Standard-bearer of Charles d’Anjou (1), 1227–1285
9 Horses in 5 Poses – 22 mm equal 15.6 hands
- Caparisoned Horse of Charles d’Anjou (2)
- Caparisoned Horse of Philippe de Flandre (2)
- Caparisoned Horse (2)
- Unarmored Horse (2)
- Unarmored Horse (1)
2 Lances - 28 mm equal 201 cm Length

Evaluation

Armour, helmets, shields, and other items of personal equipment are historically accurate and very detailed. The heraldic emblems are superimposed to facilitate painting.

Noticeable flash along mould lines needs to be removed carefully prior to painting.

The chainmail armour worn by most of the figures is not textured correctly. The figures will need to be drybrushed to create the typical shading and highlighting effect of chainmail.

The two lances in this set are much too short, they should measure 50 mm. Replace them with lances made from piano wire. Some of the other knights in this set may also be converted to carry a lance, which was commonly used in the first attack.

The two spearmen in this set should be armed with 40 mm spears made from piano wire. Additional spearmen may be converted by reducing the number of swordsmen.

The figures can be difficult to convert, because heraldic emblems are superimposed on tunics, shields, and horse trappings.

The heraldic devices are not explained on the box, and many miniature collectors will find it difficult to impossible to identify the figures correctly.

The coat of arms of Charles d’Anjou (capet), Roi de Jérusalem, Comte d’Anjou et du Maine, has been reversed. The coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem should be on the heraldic right side of the shield as can be seen on the royal Salut d’or gold coin issued by Charles d’Anjou.

Three of the five horse poses are sculpted in an unnatural gait. One wonders why figure sculptors do not study horses more, and allow themselves be inspired by the superb horse poses of several Revell cavalry sets.

Historical Employment

DBA Army No. 141 – Later Crusader, 1128–1303 A.D.
Second Crusade, 1147–1149
Third Crusade, 1189–1192
Fourth Crusade, 1202–1204
Albigensian Crusade, 1209–1229
Fifth Crusade, 1217–1221
Sixth Crusade, 1228–1229
Seventh Crusade, 1248–1250
Eighth Crusade, 1270
Ninth Crusade, 1271–1272
Aragonese Crusade, 1284–1285

Possible Conversion

12th and 13th Century Knights

These crusader knights and foot troops are a welcome addition to the growing range of 12th and 13th century wargame figures.

Italeri Miniatures

Frequently Asked Questions

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Medieval Miniatures