15XX aims to apply to the Burgundian Wars (1474-1477) through the English Civil Wars and Thirty Years War (ending in 1651 and 1648, respectively). That’s a roughly 175 year range of various firearms (arquebuses, muskets, and calivers), assorted polearms (halberds, bills, and pike), and plate-armored men (both on foot and on horse) meeting in battle.
In other words, what I would call the pike and shot era.
Within that range, the Great Italian Wars on the early 1500s and the mid-17th century English Civil Wars (ECW) and Thirty Years War (TYW) are the conflicts most frequently modelled in 15mm. However, there are figures appropriate for the Burgundian Wars, often in a “late medieval” range, as well as the various late sixteenth century Wars of Religion. Various figures from the east, the Polish Hussar and more, also show up in various ranges.
A Note on Scale
When it comes to “15mm” scale, it’s important to know there are primarily two interpretations of that size: “true” 15mm scale figures and a larger size that can measure anywhere between 17-18mm. Given that 15XX is a skirmish-sized rule set, and that figures are based three together at most, mixing and matching between different scale “15mm” mini is seen as acceptable to most gamers.
Your results may vary, depending on your level of fastidiousness. 😉
List of 15mm Pike and Shot Producers
This list is in alphabetic order and likely incomplete. If you have producers to add, please contact me.
Blue Moon (via Old Glory)
- Blue Moon are among the largest 17-18mm size “15mm” scale minis. Doesn’t mean I haven’t bought a number of them! I’ve no idea what the difference is in producers or companies between this Old Glory website and the one that follows (under Old Glory 15s).
- ECW: https://www.oldgloryminiatures.com/products.asp?cat=1
- Italian Wars: https://www.oldgloryminiatures.com/categories.asp?cat=18
Demonworld (Ral Partha)
- Their “Empire” line is more Warhammer Fantasy inspired than solely historical, but it may provide some interesting options for those players who want some creativity in their Burgundian and Italian Wars era Parties.
- UK via Ral Partha: http://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/shop/demonworld-15mm-c-76/demonworld-universal-18-c-76_147/empire-c-76_147_161/
- USA via FASA: https://shop.fasagames.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4
Donnington Miniatures (via Ancient & Modern)
- Similar size comparison to Essex – and of equal age. Though not Renaissance-era specific, their camp and baggage range may work well.
- https://shop.ancient-modern.co.uk/camp-and-baggage-119-c.asp
Essex Miniatures
- One of the oldest continually operating 15mm producers. Has a robust “15mm Renaissance” range.
- https://www.essexminiatures.co.uk/pages/15mm-renaissance
Irregular Miniatures
- True scale 15mm. One of the older producers of 15mm figures. Some really dislike the quality of their castings. They may lack the dynamism or detail of some others (e.g. Khurasan), but their 1600-1700 and medieval ranges are extensive.
- http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/
Minifigs
- Another very, very extensive range: 16th Century Moors, Aztecs & Early Incas, Burgundian Army, Early 16th Century, Early-Mid 17th Century, Eastern Europe & the Far East, ECW, Mid-Late 16th Century, the Ottomans
- http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Catalogue.aspx?ScaleID=2&CategoryID=8
Khurasan Miniatures
- True scale 15mm. Varied and extensive ranges.
- My personal favorite producer: great details, in fact there’s more detail than I can paint!
- https://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/late16thcentury.html
- https://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/early-sixteenth-century.html
- https://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/late-fifteenth-century.html
- https://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/irish-scots-ecw.html
Old Glory 15s
- Another longstanding 15mm producer. Carries figures for the Italian Wars, ECW, TYW, and Eastern Europe.
- https://oldglory15s.com/Pike-Shot-1494-1651-Ren-TYW-ECW-Samurai_c498.htm
Peter Pig Miniatures
- True scale 15mm. All Peter Pig produces is ECW figures, but their range is quite extensive. The Wounded Foot and Dead Foot packs are a good source for 15XX casualty markers. The website is terrible, though.
- https://www.peterpig.co.uk/the15MILL.html