Sunday, January 17, 2021

Eureka Gendarmes #1 -Margraf Knapton

 

I have had these Renaissance Gendarmes by   sitting in the Lead Pile for about 10 years now, and finally managed to paint some of them!


They really are spectacular figures; there are a great variety of weapons each rider can be equipped with, and many different styles of horse armor. 


These figures were designed as part of the Essex 100 club, which no longer exists, and sponsored by the US Pike and Shot Federation. 


The designs were based upon period artwork, and the whole project was spearheaded by Richard Knapton, then President of the US Pike and Shot Federation.


Sadly, not long after the figures were produced, Rich started having trouble with weakness in his arms and legs, and difficulty walking. 


At first it seemed that the problem was spinal cord compression in his neck. However, when the surgery for that failed to stop him from worsening, the real diagnosis became apparent - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease. 


Within a year, that miserable disease had claimed another victim.


Here's a long overdue Tribute to you, freind; the Gendarmes of Markgraf Ricard von Knapton!



28 comments:

  1. This is a fitting tribute to Richard. Fine looking work that I am sure he would approve. I knew Richard and corresponded with him regularly before he became to too ill.

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    1. Thanks, Jon. Rich was a good guy, taken from us far too soon.

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  2. These look great Peter, and I like the way you have created a theme in painting them.

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    1. Thanks, Lawrence. Yes, there's a White-Red-Black theme, presumably based upon the colors of the heraldry of the Markgraf.

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  3. Gorgeous looking Gendarmes Peter! :)

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  4. Very nice work and a nice tribute to your friend

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  5. A lovely tribute and let's hope they perfrom noble deeds on the table! The colour scheme works a treat too:)

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    1. Thank you, Steve. As for performance - Rich was a believer in pikemen all but jousting with their pikes in combat, so they have that for inspiration!

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  6. Terrific EHC , models with style and purpose. I look forward to seeing them in action.

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    1. Glad you like them! Putting a Renaissance game on the table is another goal for 2021!

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  7. Lovely tribute, well done in painting and memorial.

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    1. Thanks, Joe. These figures would not even exist without Rich's drive and guidance.

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  8. Thanks for that mention of Rich. Never knew him but conversed electronically on a range of subjects. Knowledgeable guy, sadly missed.

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    1. Agreed on all counts. Rich and I also corresponded extensively, but being on the West Coast I never met him in person.

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  9. Lovely looking gendarmes and a fitting tribute!
    Best Iain

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  10. Great to see you doing some Italian Wars stuff Peter! I love the colour combinations, they work well. I remember Rich from the renaissance TMP forum, he obviously had a real passion for this era.

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    1. Thanks, Oli, and yes he did indeed. I have another unit of Gendarmes in the works and lead for 2 more, not to mention more asserted pikemen, halberdiers, arquebusiers etc in the lead pile!

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  11. I was tempted at the time to take part and aquire some myself but in my heart knew that they would lanqush in the lead pile forever!
    They do look very nice.

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    1. THank you, David. They are great figures, but it did take me 10 years to paint them, and I have 18 more!

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  12. Very colorful. They look impressive.
    Neil

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    1. Thanks, Neil. Doubtless that was part of the point of the elaborate plumes and decoration - intimidation!

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