In the early stages of the American Revolution it was the local militia and 'minutemen' who opposed the British troops, and they continued to form a large part of the American army for some time. Although unable to stand against British regulars in open battle, their guerilla tactics contributed significantly to the struggle, especially in the southern states. In addition, a constant problem with supply meant that many Americans who were regulars rather than militia still wore largely civilian clothing, particularly the hunting shirt, so in fact the scope of this set extends beyond simple militia. Whether regular soldiers or not, this set depicts these men in battle, and illustrates their diverse appearance.
With militia units it's nice to see a lot of poses, and there are plenty here. The figures are mostly standing and firing their weapons, which is how it should be as direct assaults on British regulars were very rare, although actions against provincial troops carried a better chance of success. However the one figure moving forward quickly (second row) is a rather ungainly pose to our eye, having his trailing leg much too high in the air. Militia were also not versed in the complex movements of formed troops on the battlefield, so no such pose is included here. There is a nice figure of a man carrying a spontoon, and another of a man standing with his musket across his shoulders. This last would seem from his dress to be a 'gentleman of quality', and could serve well as an officer.
Most of the men are armed with muskets, which State laws required them to provide (though not all could), but a couple are carrying pistols instead. There are no bayonets to be seen, which is good as they were very rare in the militia, who were usually not trained in their use anyway. The clothing is all civilian with the addition of a bag, powder horn or perhaps even a canteen to give it a slightly more military look. The variety is excellent, including all sorts of civilian garments, and in particular the tricorn hat, but also some liberty caps, which are of course particularly appropriate for the period. However we would have liked to have seen more men with simple brimmed hats, with perhaps a single side pinned up, or entirely left to droop, as was very common. Many of the items of kit would have been retained from action in previous military adventures such as the French and Indian War, when many of these men may have served in or with the British army. Some men are dressed in their hunting clothes, backwoodsmen whose practical clothing was inspired by that of the native Americans. However the hunting shirt was more widely popular, and even specified as uniform in some units, so good to see some examples here.
The detail on these lovely figures is impeccable, the proportions very natural, and the sculpting overall is of the highest order. We have yet to find a copy of this set with any flash, and there is no excess plastic, yet the poses do not seem at all flat.
This is a splendid set that gives life to the men who began the Revolution. The good number of poses and the huge variety of costume and equipment all reflect well the motley appearance of many militias at the early part of the war and thereafter. When this set first appeared, it and the companion British Infantry set breathed new life into an important conflict that had previously only had two rather poor Airfix sets to represent it, and even after several decades it remains much the best set of figures of the Americans for the Revolution. Top marks!