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WW2 Interwar and WW2 WW1 to WW2 Early 20th Century
Figure Availability

A while back I saw a website by Neil Shuck (affectionately known as Earthquake) that compared all the various 28mm WW2 figures he'd been able to trace. Here is the original page, as well as a revised version, preserved for posterity. The only problem I could see with the review is that it was a little out of date, so I decided to do an update. The two things that I saw that I could really improve, though, were the list of manufacturers (which has grown quite drastically since Earthquake did his comparison), and the ability to view the various figures next to each other interactively; being able to choose the neighbours on the comparison...
Hmmmm. After some further investigation, I've realised that I've let myself in for a little more than I thought. Since much of the equipment and uniforms worn in World War One was worn by many nations in the period leading up to (and in many cases well into) World War Two, usually with only minor differences in cut and colour, the comparison would need to be expanded to account for this. The beginning is now set at 1910, a randomly chosen year before the 1st World War, and before the beginning of the Balkan Wars, which indirectly led to WW1. Also included are the Russian Civil War, the Prohibition Wars and the Spanish Civil War. Obviously, figures from the earlier periods can be used for later periods, and the civilians can be used right the way through (some simply by adding appropriate weapons) as armed civilians, resistance or Volkssturm.

The system I have used to describe the figures (besides the actual scan), is the "Barrett Measuring System" or "Barrett Scale", which was the brainchild of Dick Bryant, editor of the Courier.
Simply stated, the Barrett Scale measures a figure from the bottom of the foot to the eyes. The stand itself is omitted in the measurement. However, an overly thick stand should be noted in the review. The eye level was chosen because it was impossible to establish the top of the head of many figures due to the fact that so many different caps, helmets, and headdresses obscure the top of the head. This measurement (in millimetres) can best be derived by choosing a figure standing reasonably tall and straight versus bending over. Anyone, anywhere can do this and report it in their reviews.
A second - and more abstract - value is assigned to the figure's heft; light - L, medium - M, or heavy - H, which only describes how thin or chunky the figure appears (these codes basically match what is used in describing a man's build, light, medium or heavy). Thus, a 26H rating means the figure is 26 millimetres in height from bottom of the foot to the level of the eyeballs, and is relatively a thick casting when compared to most figures - 25L means 25 millimetres and a light or thin casting - and so on. As you can tell, the heftiness rating is a slightly more arbitrarily derived measure.

Below are listed, in alphabetical order, by category, all of the figure manufacturers who manufacture figures suitable for the 1912-1945 period (and some pulp/ alternative WW2) I was able to locate after a search of the web.Some may be listed more than once, because they manufacture figures suitable for multiple categories.
I had a few of the figures on hand for my own purposes, but when I began this project, I needed to get a large number of samples. As we all know, figures are not cheap, especially when one starts talking about the number of manufacturers listed below. Because of this, I listed what I had, and have since e-mailed all the other manufacturers for samples. I have also had samples donated by friends and acquaintances. This project would not have been possible without the help and assistance of the various manufacturers who DID donate figures. I have made an attempt to list them in the respective reviews, but if I have forgotten, please accept my apologies and thanks.
If you want a more detailed, in-depth review of anything, or contact details for a company, simply click on the pictures of that manufacturer to reach a review dedicated to that specific range.

If you know of a manufacturer I've missed (or ARE a manufacturer I've missed!), feel free to let me know (or send samples and details) and I can add the relevant info...
Of course, I guess I needn't say that any contributions of sample figures would be appreciated, and I'd prefer to have at least three different figures (one to keep as "as delivered", one for "cleaned and based" and one to paint for the last category.

If you have any samples you'd like to donate, feel free to send an email to:

Have a look at this Visual Comparison, showing the figures in bare metal, as they were delivered. Because the figures are displayed at identical size and resolution and in near-life size, you can get a pretty good idea of what ranges work together.

  1. 19th Century Miniatures

    2. US of A/ United Kingdom

    Range Available WW1 Austria, Belgium, East Africa, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ottoman Turks, Palestine, Russia, Serbia.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested again 13 January 2006, but no answer received yet.

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  2. 1st Corps Limited

    3. United Kingdom

    Range Available Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, SS, British Infantry, British Paratroops, Russian Infantry, US Marines, Japanese Infantry, British Sailors, German Character Pack. Balkan Wars Bulgarians.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 25½ M (1:61)

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  3. Alpha Miniatures

    4. New Zealand

    Range Available British Infantry; Pack of 9 unarmed Civilians; Polish Infantry; Pack of 4 mounted Polish Cavalry; Armed Civilians (suitable for partisans); two Packs of French Infantry; German Gebirgsjäger; German Volkssturm; German Handschar Moslem Mountain Troops; two Packs of 4 mounted German Cavalry; German Casualties; German Nebelwerfer with 3 Crew; German Field Kitchen with 2 Crew.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    Blank

























    Barrett Scale: 26 M (1:60)

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  4. Alphacast Metal Miniatures

    5. Greece

    Range Available Balkan Wars Greeks, Ottoman Turks, Bulgarians, Serbs
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples donated 13/12/2005, awaiting delivery.
    Due to the sudden death of Spyros Koumousis on 28 December 2005, the future of this range is now in doubt. I hope someone will eventually be able to continue producing them as a tribute.
    If anyone has a pack of these (preferably unpainted and as delivered), I will happily purchase them.

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  5. Amazon Miniatures

    6. United Kingdom

    Range Available Stalingrad-era Germans, Stalingrad-era Soviets, Stalingrad-era civilians, Vehicles, Scenery
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28 L (1:56)

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  6. Anglian Miniatures

    7. United Kingdom

    Range Available: Spanish Civil War.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28 M (1:56)

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  7. Arrow Miniatures

    8. US of A

    Range Available WW1 Austro-Hungarians.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27 L (1:58)

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  8. Artizan Designs

    9. United Kingdom

    Range Available British & Commonwealth 8th Army, Commandos & SAS, North West Europe Commandos and Airborne, German Afrika Korps, Late War Germans, Germans in Greatcoats, Fallschirmjäger, North Africa Italians, North Africa French, US Infantry, US Airborne, US in Greatcoats.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27½ M (1:57)

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  9. Askari Miniatures

    10. US of A (actually a "global collaboration")

    Range Available French Foreign Legion, North African tribes.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 25½ M (1:61)

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  10. Baker Company

    11. United Kingdom

    Range Available Early War Finns, Early War Russians
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted













    Barrett Scale: 28 M (1:56)

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  11. Battlegroup

    12. United Kingdom

    Range Available: American Infantry, British Infantry, German Infantry, Panzergrenadiers
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27 L (1:58)

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  12. Battle Honors

    13. US of A/ United Kingdom

    Range Available WW1: Germans Western Front & Palestine, British Western Front & Palestine, Arabs, French, Russian, Austro-Hungarian, Serbian, Turks, Belgian, East Africa.
    WW2: Australians, 1939-1944 Finns, Early War French, German Afrika Korps, Fallschirmjäger, Early War Infantry, Late War Infantry, Waffen SS, British 8th Army, Chindits, Airborne, NW Europe British Infantry, Commandos, Gurkhas, Early War Italians, Japanese, Punjabis, Russians, Sikhs, US Infantry, US Marines, US Airborne, some Vehicles.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 25 L (1:61)

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  13. Black Tree Design

    14. United Kingdom

    Range Available Wehrmacht, Gebirgsjäger, Waffen SS, Fallschirmjäger, Afrika Korps, German Support Weapons and Vehicles, Soviet Infantry, NKVD, Soviet Sailors, Partisans, Soviet Support Weapons and Vehicles, Italian Infantry, US Infantry, US Airborne, US Support Weapons and Vehicles, French Infantry, French Resistance, British Infantry, British Paratroopers, British Commandos, British vehicles and Support, several Characters.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27 M (1:58)

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  14. Bolt Action Miniatures

    15. United Kingdom

    Range Available Late War US Infantry, Early War Poles, Late War British, Late War Wehrmacht, Late War Waffen SS, Partisans and Militia, Late War Soviets, Vehicles, Late War Italians, Rules, Buildings.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28 M (1:56)

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  15. Brigade Games

    16. United States of America

    Web site: Brigade Games
    Range Available WW1, WW2, Pulp.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples donated 13/01/2006, awaiting delivery.
    Items purchased for own collection
    Still waiting for this delivery as of 29 August 2006.

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  16. Cannon Fodder Miniatures

    17. Australia

    Web site: Cannon Fodder Miniatures
    Range Available Yangtze River Patrol, US Marines 1919-30, Artillery, Anglo-Irish Wars (1920's), European Revolutions 1919-23, Weapon Packs.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested again 13 January 2006, awaiting delivery.
    Still waiting for this delivery as of 29 August 2006.

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  17. Chiltern Miniatures

    18. United Kingdom

    Range Available Russians, Late War British, 8th Army, Sikhs, Eastern Front Germans, Afrika Korps, Character Sets, Eastern Front Buildings.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 30 H (1:52)

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  18. Copplestone Castings

    19. United Kingdom

    Web site: Copplestone Castings
    Range Available RCW, Back of Beyond, WW1
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 30 M (1:52)

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  19. Crusader Miniatures

    20. United Kingdom

    Range Available Early and Late War British, Early War French, Early War Germans, Early War Soviets, US Infantry, some including support.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26 M (1:60)

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  20. Darkson Designs

    21. USA

    Range Available Alternative / Pulp WW2 Germans and Russians.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown

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  21. East Riding Miniatures

    22. United Kingdom

    Range Available Zombies, SS Controller, British zombie-hunter.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 29½ M (1:54)

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  22. Easy Eight Enterprises

    23. US of A

    Range Available: Battleground rules and supplements, US Marines, US Paratroops, French Resistance, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Russians and US and German vehicles.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27½ M (1:57)

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  23. eBob Miniatures

    24. United Kingdom

    Range Available British and American Aircrew PoWs, German Guards and Ferrets. Also a metal Opel Blitz and some scenic accessories.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28 M (1:56)

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  24. Eureka Miniatures

    25. Australia

    Range Available WW1 British in Palestine, Turks.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26 M (1:60)

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  25. Force of Arms

    26. United Kingdom

    Range Available Miscellaneous Vehicles from 1919-1945, Assorted Spanish Civil War figures, Artillery from 1919-1945.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 25 L (1:61)

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  26. Great War Miniatures

    27. United Kingdom

    Range Available Post-1916 German and British.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27½ M (1:57)

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  27. Griffin Miniatures

    28. United Kingdom

    Web site: Griffin Miniatures
    Range Available Cold-weather Stalingrad-era Germans.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Sources:   Samples requested again 13 January 2006, but no answer received yet.
    Still waiting for reply as of 29 August 2006.

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  28. Hasslefree Miniatures

    29. United Kingdom

    Range Available Fantasy WW1 Halflings.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 18 M

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  29. Homegrown Miniatures

    30. US of A

    US Web site: Homegrown Miniatures
    Range Available US Marines for the various conflicts the US was involved in from 1910- the 1930's. Also some of the opponents.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested 13 January 2006, e-mail discusions in progress.
    Still waiting for confirmation as of 29 August 2006.

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  30. Irregular Miniatures

    31. United Kingdom

    Range Available WW1 French or Belgians, Germans, British, Russians, Turks, Colonials, Arabs and Artillery
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26½ M (1:59½)

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  31. Jeff Valent Studios

    32. US of A

    Web site: Jeff Valent Studios
    Range Available Weird Wars character figures
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested again 13 January 2006, but no answer received yet.
    Still waiting for reply as of 29 August 2006.

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  32. Old Glory UK

    33. United Kingdom

    Web site: Old Glory UK
    Range Available WW1 British, German, American, French, Russians, Italians, Serbians
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested again 13 January 2006, but no answer received yet.
    Still waiting for reply as of 29 August 2006.

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  33. Outpost Wargame Services

    34. United Kingdom

    Range Available WW2 Romanians, 1910-1920 Mexican Revolution- Federales, Villistas, Rurales and Americans, 75mm Field Gun.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26 M (1:60)

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  34. Pulp Figures

    35. Canada

    Range Available Pulp Germans, Americans, Yangzee Gangs, Personalities, Lost Tribes and Lost Worlds, Call of Cthulhu (available from RAFM), Gangland Justice, Japanese, British, Yukon Peril
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26 M (1:60)

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  35. RAFM Miniatures & Games

    36. US of A

    Web site: RAFM Miniatures & Games
    Range Available Pre- and Inter-war civilians
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested again 13 January 2006, request denied.

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  36. Rebel Minis

    37. US of A

    Range Available Fantasy/Pulp Allied Elf and Dwarf, Axis Elves.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28½ M (Elves)
    21¾ M/L (Dwarf)

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  37. Regiment Games

    38. US of A

    Range Available World War II Dismounted Allied Desert Recon Unit.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27 L (1:58)

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  38. Renegade Miniatures

    39. United Kingdom

    Web site: Renegade Miniatures
    Range Available Early War British, German, french and Austro-Hungarians, Late War British and Germans, some Tanks
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26½ M (1:59½)

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  39. Reviresco

    40. US of A

    Range Available Mexican Revolution, WW1, Interwar
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26 L (1:60)

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  40. Steve Barber Models

    41. United Kingdom

    Range Available Prohibition Wars
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26 L (1:60)

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  41. Strategia e Tattica

    42. Italy

    Range Available RSI, Savoia Cavalry, Italian Paratroops.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27½ H (1:57)

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  42. The Assault Group

    43. United Kingdom

    Range Available US Marines, Chindits, Japanese, Late War Germans, Late War Russians
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 29 M (1:56½)

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  43. The Honourable Lead Boiler Suit Company

    44. United Kingdom

    Range Available Austro-Hungarians 1915-1918, British and Commonwealth Infantry 1916-1918, French Infantry Western Front 1916-1918, German Storm Troops, Italian Infantry 1916-1918, US Infantry/Marines Western Front, Russian Civil War Red and Whites, Some Vehicles
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested again 13 January 2006, but no answer received yet.
    Still waiting for reply as of 29 August 2006.

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  44. Tin Soldier

    45. United Kingdom

    Web site: Tin Soldier
    Range Available The War in The Middle East, Gallipoli, Palestine, Mesopotamia & The Arab Revolt
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

    No Picture Available

























    Barrett Scale: Unknown
    Samples: Samples requested again 13 January 2006, but no answer received yet.
    Still waiting for reply as of 29 August 2006.

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  45. TQD Castings

    46. United Kingdom

    Range Available Late War SS, Late War Russians, 1946 "What-if" / Pulp Germans.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 29 M (1:56½)

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  46. Victory Force Miniatures

    47. US of A

    Range Available US Infantry (Europe), US Paratroops (Europe), Wehrmacht, Waffen SS, Fallschirmjäger, Resistance, Commanders, Terrain, Extra Bits.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 30½ M (1:52)

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  47. Wargames Foundry

    48. United Kingdom

    Range Available WW1 British Home Guard, Early War Fallschirmjäger, Commandos, German Motorcyclists and Checkpoint, German Cavalry.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 25½ M (1:61)

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  48. Warmacre

    49. United Kingdom

    Range Available WW2 German Guards, Allied Agents and Commandos
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28 H (1:56)

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  49. Warrior

    50. United Kingdom

    Range Available Palestine and Mesopotamia, "Over the Wire" Pulp
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 26½ L (1:59½)

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  50. Wessex Games

    51. United Kingdom

    Web site: Wessex Games
    Range Available Fantasy Dwarf (Germans), Gnomes (French), Orcs (British) and Pulp WW2.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 27 M (1:58) - Naval Landing Party
    27 H (Orc)
    22½ H (Dwarf)
    19 L (Gnome)

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  51. West Wind Productions

    52. United Kingdom

    (Old-Style)

    Range Available French Resistance, Late War Germans, British, Italians, Japanese, Russians, US Marines, US Army, Waffen SS and Vehicles.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 24½ M (1:64½)

    (New Style)

    Range Available Late War Germans, Waffen SS, US Army, British, Russians, Indians in British Service and 8th Army.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28½ M

    (Seperate Heads)

    Range Available Late War Germans, Waffen SS, US Army, British, Russians, Indians in British Service and 8th Army.
    As delivered Cleaned and based Painted

























    Barrett Scale: 28½ M

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