Calpe Miniatures make high quality 25mm wargames figures for gamers and collectors.

I started Calpe Miniatures in 1994 after experiencing years of frustration collecting Napoleonics. No set of figures was ever complete, musicians and NCO’s were often overlooked and key formations were labeled 'not financially viable' and never produced. I decided to 'put my money where my mouth was' and started sculpting.

Initially I run Calpe on a part-time basis. With work commitments and a young family, the time I could dedicate to sculpting and producing figures was minimal. As the company grew, I eventually had to acknowledge the fact that I was finding it hard to cope with the business while I was doing other things and I decided to give Calpe my full attention.

Design ethos-
The figures are designed for my own collection. My interest at present lies in the late Napoleonic period, specifically the campaign in Germany that culminated in ‘The Battle of the Nations’ at Leipzig in 1813. Since the figures are designed to suit my personal requirements there are some very particular features of the design process that new customers should be aware of:

The figures are always designed in sets to suit a figure ratio of 20:1. The sets are designed to include officers, musicians, standard bearers, NCOs, casualties and enthusiastic figures.

The figures are moulded and cast to show as little distortion, flash or parting lines as possible. If the production figures are not good enough to be part of my collection, they are not sold!

Every set is meticulously researched, as I am very particular about the figures that make up my collection.

Since my battalions and cavalry regiments are numerically large, the figures are designed with raised detail and carefully sculpted folds and creases to make the painting less tiring.

I make the figures that are required irrespective of financial considerations.

What's in a Name?
I have been asked repeatedly about the name of the company. Although I am now resident in the UK, I was born in Gibraltar. Calpe comes from the Roman name for Gibraltar- 'Mons Calpe.' It was thought to be one of the Pillars of Hercules which supported the heavens. The other pillar was considered to be Mons Abyla on the Moroccan coast across the Straits of Gibraltar. These two 'pillars' marked the edge of the known world for the Romans. It remained Calpe until the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsular. The Moors landed at Gibraltar and renamed the Rock Gibel-Tarik (Tarik’s mountain). It was fortified and garrisoned; the keep, part of the walls and gatehouse can still be seen today. The Moors retained Gibraltar until the 12th century when it was retaken by the Spanish 'reconquista'. The Spanish King granted Gibraltar a new coat of arms after the garrison resisted the attempts of the Moors to retake the fortress. The company logo is based on this coat of arms.

Hinchliffe Models Ltd produce a range of 25mm  wargaming miniatures which were designed & sculpted by Frank Hinchliffe. Pre 1700 ranges are manufactured by Lancashire Games

These companies previously owned Hinchliffe Models Ltd

Skytrex Ltd 1984 to 1990sDraper Models 1990sEllerburn Armies 1990s to 2000sHinds Figures Ltd 2008

Tradition of London offer a world wide mail order service! All our Toy Soldiers and Model Figures are Handmade in Nottingham, England.

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