One result of the Reconquista was that at the end of the 15th century the newly united Spanish kingdoms had a core of battle-hardened and highly experienced soldiers, many having benefited from instruction in the latest techniques by the then-matchless Swiss. Spain would soon organise these men into what would become the famous Tercio, and over the next century and more Spanish infantry would dominate Europe as Spain vied with France for pre-eminence. The first half of the century saw much of the fighting in Italy, but outside Europe Spanish soldiers would also see action in America, Africa and Asia as the Empire grew and Spain became a world power.
The figures in this set wear a variety of doublets and short trunk-hose (or gregüescos) plus a codpiece. The style of these garments places these men firmly in the second half of the 16th century, especially after 1575 when the particularly short trunk-hose were in fashion. All here look to be pinked or slashed, which was highly fashionable at the time, and soldiers took care to be well dressed where possible. A few here wear helmets of various styles, but the majority wear soft hats, again varied in style, some of which are decorated with a plume or feathers. Knee-breeches were replacing trunk-hose by the last years of the century, but no one here has these, so the actual dates for these figures would be c.1550 to c.1595. All these men are gunners, and apart from helmets such men increasingly rarely wore any metal armour, so by our period it would be reasonable to find none wearing any, as here. The exception one of the officers, who still wears a cuirass and tassets more as a sign of rank than anything else, though the most obvious such symbol is the sash across his chest. Other items could also have been included on these men such as false sleeves and ruffs, but nothing about any of these figures is incorrect.
Specifications
- Contents: 40 figures
- Poses: 16 poses
- Material: Plastic (Medium Consistency)
