Pike & Musket

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) was the dominant personality of the English Civil War. Originally from a modest country background he rose rapidly through the Parliamentary ranks from a humble troop commander to a regimental colonel and then a Lieutenant General of Horse all within the space of two years. Although lacking any formal military education he knew instinctively how to lead and train men...and get the best from them. Eventually he would be given the title “Lord Protector”. Our figure shows him in typical military dress of the early part of the war as a Colonel of Horse. The figure is based on the statue of Cromwell to be found outside Parliament in London...Sword in one hand...bible in the other! -
See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/oliver-cromwell-p-8638.html#sthash.hWQjNup5.dpuf

The “Blew Regiment of the Cittie of London Trayned Bandes” was a militia regiment of about 1200 musketeers and 800 pikemen drawn from the citizens of the capitol. At the time England had no standing army so, in times of war and strife, locally trained volunteers were virtually all that was available. Upon the outbreak of war London declared for Parliament and the regiment fought in most of the notable battles of the conflict. Our flagbearer holds the standard of the 5th Captain of the Regiment. - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/regimental-flagbearer-p-8642.html#sthash.GVz2SWP2.dpuf

A senior non commissioned officer, promoted from the ranks stands with his halberd. He can accompany either Royalist or Parliamentary forces. - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/sergeant-arms-english-civil-p-10284.html#sthash.pzDVlMrg.dpuf

In this specially – designed set Athos, Aramis & Porthos, stand alongside the youthful D’Artagnan swords drawn and ready to fight the Cardinal’s Guards! All three Musketeers wear the “classic” blue cassock adorned with a beautiful hand-woven cross and decoration. Typical of the period the rest of their attire is their own personal dress. D’Artagnan wears a simple plain tunic befitting a young well-born gentleman from the provinces.

This second member of the Cardinal’s men prepares to discharge his loaded musket. The purpose of the rest was to ‘steady’ the very heavy weapon and make it slightly easier to aim. - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/cardinals-guard-with-musket-ready-three-musketeers-p-10299.html#sthash.FAdHlFbD.dpuf

Just after Louis XIII raised his own personal guard company, “The Musketeers” he raised a second company to be the bodyguards of his most trusted Cardinal ... Richelieu. A great rivalry grew up between these two bodies of fighting men ... resulting in almost ‘open-warfare’ whenever (and wherever) their separate paths crossed. One simple way to recognize each group is by their ‘casques’ (or cassocks)... the Musketeers wore blue ... the Cardinal’s men adopted their master’s preference ... RED! Our figure stands holding his musket rest in one hand and his musket over the shoulder. - See more at: http://www.kingandcountry.com/cardinals-guard-with-shouldered-musket-three-musketeers-p-10298.html#sthash.FF8zEHaT.dpuf

And now for something completely different ... A touch of chivalry even in the midst of a Civil War ... A bold cavalier takes the hand of a pretty young maiden during one of the short interludes between battles and skirmishes.