Today we imagine a Cossack as a highly skilled horseman, serving as light cavalry for the Tsars and creating terror for any enemy infantry they might face. However in the 16th century most were actually infantry, and while many would ride to the battle, they would normally dismount to fight. Thus Cossack infantry was the norm for the first two centuries or so of their existence, yet their ferocity earned them a reputation as excellent fighters, and many served as mercenaries alongside regular troops from their various neighbours, particularly the Poland/Lithuania Commonwealth and Muscovy. In the 16th century these two states fought each other on numerous occasions, and other theatres of war also kept the Cossacks busy, but one of their most famous exploits was the expedition, from 1581, to conquer the Siberian khanate under Yermak Timofeyich in the name of Muscovy.
This third set in the trilogy of 16th century Cossacks from RedBox concentrates on the arquebus. Although the origins of the Cossacks were Tartar, and so naturally they made wide use of the bow, they adopted the new arquebus much quicker than their Tartar neighbours, giving them a significant advantage in battle. It is therefore appropriate that a whole set is devoted to this weapon, and here we find an impressive 12 poses using it. As a result, just about every activity is covered here, from all the actions of using the weapon to resting or marching, plus a couple who have drawn their swords. It would be hard to think of anything not included, and all the poses are really good. At least one man is using the ramrod, which is always a very difficult pose to do, and this one is not ideal, but still perfectly reasonable. If there was one that failed to delight then it is the last man, who holds his sword sideways and resting against the back of his cap. This is hardly a position from which to deliver a blow, so while it is a common problem in figure sets this one man is flat and unconvincing.
Specifications
- Contents: 48 figures
- Poses: 12 poses
- Material: Plastic (Medium Consistency)
