This is the Hand Bombardier kit from IL miniatures in the livery of the Earl of Oxford at Bosworth in 1485. It is an excellent kit with super fine castings, there is a choice of 2 salets this and a closed one. Both are almost see through they are so thinly cast. I have a plan hatching for the closed one I haven’t used.

All in acrylics, with base from Richard Wharton at Oakwood and plate from name it!

By this time in the Middle Ages hand guns were fairly well established but a mix of designs was evident. It was still seen as a prestigious weapon, though it’s effectiveness was questionable. Prestigious or not it was a dirty and dangerous weapon to use, with burns and blindings not uncommon. There are historical accounts of how the Gonners appeared covered in soot and black powder. Many were of continental origin or even mercenary’s. I see our man here coming from Southern Europe and finding himself in the ranks of Oxford during the various battles culminating at Bosworth.

Cheers

Neil

Love the face Neil (Top figure all round in fact)

I'm assuming that 'Hand Gonner' isn't a typo, but I've not come across the spelling before?
Cheers
Paul

This really looks the part. Heraldic band around helmet looks properly hand painted

Thanks both

You are right Paul it’s the way they spelled gun or gunner in the good old days

its a tricky one Del on the hand painting of the heraldic charge, the Existing examples are really crude in appearance, I think replicating them exactly would look dreadful so this is a bit neater than it probably would have been but hopefully believable

Cheers

Neil

Excellent work Neil. As Del said, the heraldry looks suitably hand painted and I think that makes it.

I had the chance to shoot a reproduction "Handgonne" a couple of years ago. I've been a black powder shooter for many years but it frightened the pants off me I tell you!

Phil

Cheers Phil

I bet that was a great experience I would love to fire one!

It was actually very good - back to the very beginnings of firearms technology - a mini cannon on a stick! I needed a shower and a stiff drink afterwards.

Phil

wonderful paintwork

Mobo

Cheers

Neil
You're right, there is a scale factor to consider.
I remember Pete Armstrong of Border Miniatures who was reknowned for meticulous research specifically produced heraldry on hs figures to fit the space that was stylised and representative rather than anatomically correct.

nicely done!!

Great painting and very realistic face etc, I am not a fan of big pictures I prefer to view figures closer to what the eye can see, I shudder when I look at my own as you can see all the blending strokes and wee bits of dust etc, however as others have said a top job.
TERRY

Lovely work Neil, the muted colours work superbly and the face is spot on.

Keith

Brilliant overall, but the face is amazing.

Thanks all!

Cheers Kev!