This is the first post showing the work of Sanquez; a Spanish toy soldier maker. These figures were probably made from the 1950’s to 1980’s, I’m not absolutely sure. Sanquez made other earlier figures in other scales but I don’t know much about them. I’m drawn to this range by the subject; a Spanish renaissance army, the distinctive style of sculpture, and the breadth of the range. Over the last 20 or so years I’ve collected a good representation, but there are still many figures I haven’t managed to find, amongst which is a magnificent ox-drawn siege gun, although I do have a few of the figures that accompanied it.
The figures are just over 50mm in scale, made of a quite soft, lead-rich metal. They are always simply painted in a distinctive matt colours which, despite the soft metal, seem to be quite resilient and don’t flake as much as I would have thought. Sanquez made similar ranges covering much of Spanish history, usually marching, and in large groups they look spectacular.
All units common to the Holy Roman Emperor, Carlos V army are depicted; beautifully liveried guard regiments and mercenary landsknechts, each accompanied by drummers and fifers, standard bearers, foot and mounted officers. There are various orders of knighthood and cavalry, each with their banners and trumpeters, and artillery. It is a collection that I’ll never complete, the fun is hunting for them.
These are the Spanish imperial infantry troops; an officer on foot ,the fifes and drums, a pikeman and harquebusier.
Below are some of the Landsknechts, mercenaries that all the great powers of the 16th century relied on to fight their constant wars. Some, like these below, wore elaborate clothing in a distinct colour. The third image shows how Sanquez marked all his figures with his name raised on the top of the cast base.
And more Landsknechts; there are two basic body types, very similar, with different hats and weapons.
Below are images of original Sanquez boxes, each held one figure and came with a description; naturally in Spanish, of the figure inside.
The next post will cover examples of the mounted figures and artillerymen from this range of Sanquez figures. As always click on any image to enlarge.
Two standard bearers
Jim's Vintage Toy Soldiers 