One thing you can say for Essex Miniatures - they are consistent. From their strange proportions to their unusual poses, in a good way, if you’ve seen one Essex mini, you’ve seen ‘em all. What this usually means is, if you like one Essex infantryman, you’ll probably like them all. Of course, the reverse is also true. For some, Essex will just never look right (I am in that camp). In their defense, Essex are very well cast, reasonably priced, and have a vast array of ranges.
This Yank measures 13.5 mm from sole to eye (keep in mind he’s sort of squatting).
Dem Bones - The Anatomy: Essex miniatures tends to suffer from what has been elsewhere dubbed “gnome-itis.” This condition is very recognizable since miniatures suffering from it tend to have strange anatomical proportions. Specifically the lower half of the body, from the waist down, tends to be too short compared to the torso. You see a prime example here. This Yank’s legs look stunted, compared to his torso. His hands are a little oversized and his feet are under sized as well. Essex faces are typically well detailed and very clean.
Everybody Vogue: I call this pose “Company, SQUAT!” because I just can’t help feeling he’s about to sit on his haunches, not step forward.
Do Those Buttons Read USA or USB? Another feature of the Essex line that is consistent on every figure I have seen is the decision to sacrifice detail for clarity and ease of painting. Shapes are fairly regular and do not have sculpted details such as a gun barrel (easy enough to paint freehand, but you get the idea). All of the telling details are certainly present. Rather, Essex is clearly designed to be painted quickly and give a good result for the gaming table. Another example - there are no barrel hoops on the musket. You may not get piped collars with Essex, but you never get scrambled eggs, either.
The Reserves: Other Figures
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