This latest Workbench offering, shows the first of our mounted fire-tactics troops for the Italian armies in the Great Italian Wars. The Italians seem to have been the first of the Western nations to take to firing missile weapons from the saddle. Firstly, like these two packs of new miniatures, with crossbows, and latterly with Arquebus.

We have designed these 6 miniatures in two distinct poses, one set shooting, and the others standing ready. Once again we have added 3 new horses to our massive range, to make these missile troops look static whilst in the act of firing. We could find no evidence of these type of ‘skirmishers’ firing whist moving, so we will supply them on the new standing horses shown here. Of course if you disagree or would prefer more active mounts them we can supply these on the moving horse used for our Stradiots and Jinetes, just ask when you order and your bespoke miniatures can be arranged.

These minis are all cast open handed, and are supplied with our 16^th Century crossbow as shown. I have, very inexpertly, struck the crossbows in place for these images, so you will have to forgive me if you can see the blu-tack that holds things in place. *blush*

Later this week I will add an up-date for the Mounted Arquebusiers that replace these crossbowmen, so check back for more details.

These fine 28mm metal miniatures, like everything else in our huge Renaissance range, were sculpted by Mr. Nick Collier