David Bickley's Wargames Blog

The occasional ramblings of an average gamer, journeyman painter, indifferent modeller, games designer, sometime writer for Wargames Illustrated and host of games in GHQ.



Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Sir Robert Giffard of Chillington, in the County of Staffordshire

I mentioned in an earlier blog post that I had unearthed a few figures in the Lead Pimple to enable me to complete Sir Robert Giffard's Retinue by adding a small Command element ~

The figures in question are three Perry Miniatures plastics, one from the Command frame and two from the MAA frame, while the fourth figure is a Eureka Miniatures billman fitted with a Perry Miniatures bill. One of the MAA is bearing Sir Robert's standard which I cobbled together myself.

The standard began life as that of Edward IV made by Pete's Flags. I overpainted the red and blue sections leaving the lion's head to proxy for Giffard's panther. The conversion is aided by adding the neck spotting and golden flames proceeding from either side of its mouth. The Stirrups I added by hand in Foundry Ochre and lined in with Black. I did consider painting out the motto and putting in Giffard's,  but in the end common sense prevailed. {The motto, for those who might be interested, is "Prenez Haleine, Tirez Forte" ~ 'Take Breath, Pull Strong'.} After all, its only a toy in a game and at gaming distance it will do just fine for me. See what you make of it in that context anyway ~

The next Retinue is already underway and will hopefully prove a little quicker and easier now that I have some relevant experience under my belt.


22 comments:

  1. A fine looking command base and banner adaption. The retinue looks very smart.

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    1. Thank you Phil! Your encouragement has been very necessary right now as you know.

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  2. Lovely command stand and really completes the unit!

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    1. Thank you Christopher! As ever much appreciated.

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  3. A cracking command stand, it looks great and the whole retinue look superb.

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    1. Your enthusiastic support is most welcome Donnie!

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  4. Nice work on the flag - what a great idea. Pete’s Flags are lovely, so a great basis to work from.

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    1. Glad you approve Norm, as you say Pete's Flags are grand!

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  5. Nicely done David and good for you for converting the standards 👍

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    1. Many thanks Matt! Hope Wales is treating you well.

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  6. I think you've made a top job on the figures and flag!

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    1. Thank you very much for that Ray! Much appreciated.

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  7. Nice Phil, I have chickened out painting Thrax’s portrait on a banner but now have new glasses so wait and see.

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  8. Got that wrong, but it is still early.

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  9. Brilliant work there David:)! With the falgs, I always think you need to go bold and not worry too much about the fine details, as you don't generally see them when on the table. Or maybe I need to go to Specsavers;).

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    1. I was in there only last week. New glasses in order as the cataract in right eye is growing...

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  10. Lovely stuff David…
    This project is coming along nicely and at a fair old pace..

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Thanks Aly, I just hope that I can maintain the pace & rhythm.

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  11. A fine piece of cobbling there... excellent results and a wonderful looking unit to kick the project off!
    Great work Dave!

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