Crusader Knights
Italeri 1:72 Scale Figure Review
Italeri incorrectly dates its 1:72 scale Crusader Knights to the First Crusade in the 11th century. However, the figures are wearing heraldic surcoats, which were first introduced in the mid-12th century, as well as as nasal helmets with fixed face guards dating from the early 12th century. Two of the figures feature the early coat of arms of Richard I, the Lionheart, who took part in the Third Crusade between 1189 and 1192.
The great helm dates from the early 13th century, meaning its wearer would have set off for the Holy Land no earlier than the Fifth Crusade. His heraldic shield, featuring a lion rampant, can be painted in the colors associated with various knights — including John of Brienne, who took part in the Fourth and Fifth Crusades and became King of Jerusalem in 1210.
Also included is Charles I of Anjou, in his capacity as King of Jerusalem (1277), who took part in the Crusades of 1248 (the Sixth) and 1270 (the Seventh). The figures can be converted to represent knights from other campaigns; however, the sculpted heraldic emblems on the shields, surcoats, and horse caparisons will be quite difficult to remove.
Many of the figures can be painted as knights or sergeants of religious and military orders founded in the Holy Land. The Hospitaller third from the left resembles a figure from the Osprey booklet “Crusaders”; the Templar next to him had the early coat of arms of Richard I, the Lionheart, superimposed on his Norman kite shield, which was carefully removed using a scalpel, and painted over in the colours of the Knights Templar.
Contents
- 25 infantry in 8 Poses – 24 mm equal 173 cm height
- Richard I, the 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, the Lionheart, with Lance (2), 1157–1199
- Jean de Brienne with mace (2), 1170–1237
- Charles d’Anjou with Sword and visored Helmet (2)
- Knight with Sword and Nasal Helmet (2)
- Standard-bearer of Charles d’Anjou (1), 1227–1285
- 9 horses in 5 poses – 22 mm equal 15.2 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 pieces of personal equipment are historically accurate and rendered in great detail. The figures wear a full hauberk (chainmail shirt, coif, and chausses), which, at this scale, presents a relatively smooth surface. Consequently, the effects of light and shadow on the chainmail must be suggested through shading and drybrushing.
Shields, surcoats, and horse caparisons feature three-dimensional heraldic devices, which are intended to make the painting process easier. However, this has the drawback that the figures cannot easily be painted with different heraldic designs or decorated with water-slide decals. The shields can be carefully cleared of these heraldic figures using a scalpel and then smoothed down with fine sandpaper. Any minor damage to the surface of the shield can be disguised as battle damage.
The two separate lances are far too short; at this scale, they should actually be 50 mm long. It is best to replace them with lances made from piano wire or plastic, with small paper pennants attached to their tips. Some of the other knights can also be retrofitted with lances made from piano wire.
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 coats of arms featured are not explained further on the box; they are extremely difficult to identify, especially since the figures are incorrectly dated as 11th century crusaders.
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.
Noticeable flash along mould lines needs to be removed carefully prior to painting.
Historical Employment
- DBA Army № 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
The Italeri 1:72 scale crusader knights and foot troops are a welcome addition to the growing range of 12th and 13th century wargame figures.