Reisläufer

Reisläufer

To match my Landsknechts I have started my block of Reisläufer. The figures are by Artizan. At the moment they only represent Uri but I intend to build on the block either as more figures become available or I may convert a few figures to add. I think I would date most of my collection to about 1510 - 1530 although some of my Italians and Spanish could be used for earlier. At this date the Reisläufer would look very similar to Landsknechts.
Despite this I still wanted to make them look distinctive from my Landsknechts. These two types of mercenary were bitterly opposed to each other, and although the differences in appearance may at times have been subtle they were recognisable at the time. The differences I have gone for from Landsknechts are no Katzbaglers, less colour combinations, not quite as flamboyant colours, the use of white crosses on some of the figures, the wearing of turbans and all of the hat feathers are white. I am pleased with the way they turned out and still have the front rank of the pikes and the arquebusiers to add.



Drummer and Standard in Uri Cantonal Colours

To further differentiate from the Landsknechts I have painted the drummer and standard bearer (I think my favourite figure of the lot) in the Uri Cantonal Colours. I recall reading that although most of the troops dressed as they pleased, the troops in these positions did sometimes wear the colours of the Canton.

Reisläufer

Uri Reisläufer

Reisläufer