Plastic Soldier Review - Italeri Teutonic Knights

Text Search

Home > Manufacturers > Italeri > Teutonic Knights

Italeri

Set 6019

Teutonic Knights

All figures are supplied unpainted (Numbers of each pose in brackets)

Stats

Date Released	1999
Contents	17 mounted figures and 17 horses
Poses	9 poses, 4 horse poses
Material	Plastic (Medium Consistency)
Colours	Silver, Tan

Average Height

24 mm (= 1.73 m)

Review

The military order known as the Teutonic Knights, or the Order of the Hospital of St. Mary of the Germans of Jerusalem, to give them their full name, was originally created in 1189-90 as hospitallers and within a few years also included a military element. Originally they operated in the Holy Land, but older Orders already dominated that area so attention turned to Northern Europe, where the Order set out to 'convert' pagan tribes there, and it was in this region that they made their name.

This set depicts knights during the 13th Century, when some of their most famous exploits took place such as the Battle of Lake Peipus. Naturally all knights were mounted, so there are no figures for the infantry contingents here. All the knights wear full mail with a surcoat, which was typical crusader dress of the period. Several helmet styles are evident, including the 'Great Helm' which completely covered the head. Most also wear poluyns, which were plates of metal covering the knees and were the first plate armour to be developed. This feature first appeared around 1230. Some also wear cloaks, which would have been necessary as campaigning in Prussia and north-east Europe was done in the winter when the rivers and swamps froze, thus allowing armies to move.

A majority of these men are using their sword, but other weapons are also modelled. All have the simple cross design on their surcoats, and all but three repeat this on their shields. The three that do not are confrere knights, who were allowed to bear their own arms on their shield. The shields themselves are of several patterns as the shield was evolving from the kite shield to the 'heater' shield at this time. In this set all shields are moulded on to the knight rather than being separate.

The four horses are also all charging, and three wear full covers which would have displayed the livery of their owner. The figures fit their mounts well, though not as tightly as some Italeri sets of the past.

Most of the figures are in charging poses, though a couple do seem to be paying attention to something below them - presumably a dismounted opponent. The dress of these men is typical of knights during this century, and the detail is spot-on. The usual excellent sculpting and moulding combine to make this a very attractive and quite dramatic set of figures.

Ratings

Historical Accuracy	10
Pose Quality	10
Pose Number	9
Sculpting	10
Mould	10