This post introduces the early 54mm solid based Hinton Hunt figures. Marcus Hinton’s first commercial figures did not have the brass shim bases that are one of the ways to differentiate his later figures from similar ones produced by Charles Stadden and the Lasset range by John Tassel; their bases were tin shim. The bases of these early Hinton Hunts were cast and engraved underneath, very similar in style to those of his wargame figures. See photo, the label on the left was commonly used.

His figures have been described as clumpy, with large hands and accessories, and when compared with the two main competitors of the day, named above, they may seem so. However, this misses an important point; they produced figures with features so similar that it was like dressing the same person in different uniforms, which was intended since depicting the uniform was the principle objective of these sculptors. Hinton’s uniforms were still correct, but his figures were more individual, bursting with character, the few mounted pieces he produced were even more so; a future post of his 21st Lancers at Omdurman will demonstrate this. He also produced a far larger range than his rivals, especially pre-napoleonic, every type of ancient warrior up to the beginning of uniformed armies, including many renaissance figures and from the English Civil War. Some worked better than others and many consider his best are his medieval offerings, again I will show examples in future posts.

The final picture shows some other ancient figures from this range. As always click on any image to enlarge it. Although I have a fondness for Hinton Hunts, I do like Staddens and Lassets; I will be posting some of these from my collection in the future, next though will be part 2 of the Heyde bivouac scene.