Finally decided to order a box of Perry „‚Mercenaries‘ – European Infantry 1450-1500.“ These have been out for some years, so most will know it comes with 40 figures which can be made up into pikemen, crossbowmen and handgunners. You can also convert most of the pikes into halberd/polearms. Here are the handgunners painted up as Burgundians. Figured they could be used in a few scenarios, not the least being the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury, when Edward returned with a group of these guys on loan from his brother in law the Duke of Burgundy.

Most of the bodies of this set are the same ones from the Wars of the Roses Infantry box. There are different heads, and arms, of course. There are a couple of nice fluted Kettle Helms – sometimes called a Burgundian Kettle Helm.

I plan to use them in units of 6 figures as a blend of Crossbowmen (normally 12 figures in Lion Rampant) and Bidower skirmishers (normally 6 figures). This should make them fairly effective in Shooting, but otherwise brittle.

Charles the Bold’s death at the Battle of Nancy in 1477, would make the presence of these guy at Bosworth (1485) unlikely, however, they’ll be used nonetheless. Maybe a few hardcore mercenary types kept their livery.

Here’s what they looked like before staining with Minwax. Actually, the can of Minwax must’ve not been sealed tight as the stain had a 1/8″ thick film covering it when the can was opened. I added some thinner to the thickened remainder of the stain, but it isn’t as good as it was before. I ended up adding some ink/stain wash over the faces and the red and orange clothing. Highlighting helped out a bit too.

Next up are the Crossbowmen. Thinking of painting them up as Swiss Mercenaries in yellow and black.