A recent acquisition, and one I've been after for a long time, is this figure of King Richard the Lionheart as a crusader, made by Cherilea. It's made in hollowcast lead and has been repainted, but quite sympathetically, so I can live with that, what a shame they never made him in plastic.
This figure often gets listed as part of the Cherilea Baronial series, but it's not or at least it's not listed as part of that series in the catalogue. But you can see why people might think it was, the sculpting of the horse is superb, way above the usual standard for Cherilea and a similar style to the three figures in the Baronial Series. Also it's slightly smaller size and a single piece casting while the others have separate horse and riders.
The back view, the shield is nicely engraved with three lions, I must remember to pick that detail next time I have my paintbrush to hand. Cherilea used to produce the moulds for Richard Courtney, who is famous for his models of medieval knights, and I can't help wondering if he didn't have a hand in the sculpting of some of these finer pieces, of course that's just speculation on my part.
Brian, thats a very nice addition, will look great on terrain boards leading an army!
ReplyDeleteMichael
I think he'll fit in well with the Timpo Crusaders, now I just have to paint up the Saracens!
DeleteA lovely figure, well worthy to command an army on the table of war!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, and to think I was going to consign him to the cabinet!
DeleteA splendid new acquisition, excellent!
ReplyDeleteI rarely pick up anything new these days so it's nice to indulge occasionally.
DeleteBeautiful piece Brian, great find! I think that you're right, painting the lions on the shield will make a great improvement!
ReplyDeleteIt seems to have been a one off piece on it's own, it's a shame they never made a series of figures to go with him, but then the toy soldier hobby is full of "what if's"
DeleteThat is a lovely figure. The horse is a fine looking steed, as you note. Not only painted sympathetically, but quite a sympathetic cast of Coeur de Lion, isn't it—more the pose of a saint or a pilgrim. Quite different than the statue at Westminster!
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
Yes the horse has a nice high stepping pose, whoever the sculptor was I think he knew his horses.
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